Self-styled Punjab pastor Bajinder Singh was sentenced to life imprisonment in the 2018 Zirakpur rape case by the Mohali court in Punjab. The eight-year-long trial finally came to an end after the court pronounced its verdict last week.
Bajinder gained fame for his viral ‘Yashu Yashu’ videos and his claims of miraculous healing. He was convicted for sexual misconduct and rape. Bajinder was arrested and taken to Patiala jail after the hearing.
The Rape Allegations
The case came to light in 2018 after a woman accused him of sexual assault. In her complaint she alleged that Bajinder took her to his Mohali residence under the pretext of assisting her in order to settle abroad. After reaching there, he allegedly raped her.
The woman further claimed that initially, she remained silent due to fear. However, she eventually filed a police complaint. This led to Singh’s arrest in July 2018 at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. The arrest came as he attempted to flee to London. Singh was later detained at Patiala Jail after his conviction.
New Allegations Surface
Amid the ongoing trouble and conviction, two more women came forward with allegations of sexual exploitation at Singh’s dera. According to reports they met with Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj, the officiating Akal Takht Jathedar. Both assured them of full support and urged the Punjab government to ensure their safety.
Both women claimed that even after filing FIRs, police delayed action. This left them feeling vulnerable to threats and intimidation. One of the women, who is also featured in a viral video allegedly showing Singh assaulting someone. She stated that she had been involved in the dera for several years.
Court’s Verdict
Reports suggests that Bajinder Singh was convicted under Sections 376 (rape), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code. Meanwhile, five other accused individuals were acquitted. This includes pastors Jatinder and Akbar.
The victim in the case expressed her desire for Singh to remain in prison, fearing he would reoffend upon release. Advocate Anil Sagar, counsel for the victim, emphasised the need for exemplary punishment.
“There is a punishment of 10-20 years for the offense of rape depending upon the circumstances of the case. In this case, I pray for the highest quantum because this person used to lure people in the name of religion. It is important to punish him exemplarily. I hope that after this, the girls who are facing such crimes will come forth and speak about the atrocities,” he said.
Ongoing Legal Troubles
However, the legal troubles for Bajinder are far from over. In February 2025, another FIR was registered against him in an assault case. This case as well was registered by a woman named Ranjeet Kaur. She alleged that Singh physically assaulted her and others after a prayer session. In addition, Singh faces another sexual harassment case filed by a 22-year-old woman.
