Pastor Bajinder Singh Guilty in 2018 Sexual Harassment Case; Sentencing on April 1

 New Delhi: A Mohali court has found self-styled pastor Bajinder Singh guilty in a 2018 sexual harassment case. The verdict marks a big breakthrough in the long-running trial. The court is set to announce his sentence on April 1.

Bajinder Singh was convicted of sexual misconduct, while five others accused in the case were acquitted. The allegations stem from a complaint filed by a woman from Zirakpur in Punjab .

What Did The Woman Say In Her Complaint?

In her police complaint, the woman claimed that Bajinder Singh would send her text messages and make her sit alone in a cabin at the church on Sundays. She further alleged that the pastor would then hug her and touch her inappropriately. The survivor also stated that he threatened to have her and her family harmed if she approached the police.

Following her complaint, the police booked the pastor under sections 354A (sexual harassment), 354D (stalking), and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code.  

On March 19, Singh, along with five co-accused, appeared before the Mohali court for a hearing regarding the allegations. The case dates back to July 2018, when Singh was arrested at Delhi airport while allegedly attempting to flee to London. With the sentencing set for April 1, all eyes are on the Mohali court as it prepares to determine Singh’s punishment in the high-profile case.

Bajinder Singh Not New to Controversies

A recently surfaced video purportedly showing self-styled Christian preacher Bajinder Singh arguing and slapping a woman and a man has been widely circulated on social media.

The CCTV footage, reportedly dated February 14, captures Singh engaged in a heated argument with a woman inside a room. In the clip, he is seen throwing a bunch of papers at her before slapping her. The video also shows him allegedly slapping a man multiple times.

Singh, who runs two churches—‘The Church of Glory and Wisdom’ in Tajpur, Jalandhar, and another in Majri, Mohali—became a Christian preacher in 2012. His supporters claim that his church has multiple branches both in India and abroad.

The church conducts congregations that attract large crowds, with attendees seeking healing for their ailments. These gatherings are streamed live on the YouTube channel ‘Prophet Bajinder Singh’, which boasts 3.74 million subscribers.