Pastor Bajinder Singh Sentenced to Life Imprisonment in 2018 Rape Case
A Mohali court on Tuesday sentenced Pastor Bajinder Singh to life imprisonment until death in connection with a 2018 rape case, stating he had committed a heinous crime by misusing his position of influence. The court also imposed a fine of ₹1 lakh. Following the verdict, the 42-year-old was transferred to Patiala jail.
The sentence was delivered by Additional District and Sessions Judge Vikrant Kumar, after Singh—widely known as the “Yeshu Yeshu prophet”—was found guilty on March 28. He was convicted under Sections 376 (rape), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code.
Five co-accused—Akhbar Bhatti, Rajesh Chaudhary, Jatinder Kumar, Sitar Ali, and Sandeep Pehlwan—were acquitted. The case was originally registered on April 20, 2018, at the Zirakpur police station, based on a complaint by a 23-year-old woman who alleged Singh raped her under the pretext of helping her travel abroad.
Singh’s lawyer, HS Dhanoa, said they intend to appeal the verdict in the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The complainant's counsel, Anil Kumar Sagar, welcomed the ruling, calling it an "exemplary verdict" that serves as a warning to those who misuse religion or social status to exploit vulnerable individuals.
The survivor, who waited seven years for justice, said she was satisfied with the outcome and alleged that attempts were made to bribe her into a compromise. Before sentencing, Singh had appealed for leniency, citing his ailing wife, two children, and his own health issues, including a leg injury with an implanted rod. He also claimed to be the sole earner for his family.
Heavy security was deployed at the Mohali court complex as Singh was brought in from Mansa jail amid a crowd of followers and members of social and religious groups who had gathered outside.
Separately, Singh is facing another sexual assault case involving a follower from Kapurthala, which is still under investigation.
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