Punjab Court Finds Pastor Guilty in 2018 Sexual Harassment Case
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Synopsis
A Mohali court has convicted self-styled preacher Bajinder Singh in a 2018 sexual harassment case, with sentencing scheduled for April 1. Singh is also facing additional allegations from another victim, intensifying scrutiny of his alleged misconduct.
Key Takeaways
- Bajinder Singh convicted in 2018 sexual harassment case.
- Sentencing to be announced on April 1.
- Victim accused him of rape and obscene video recording.
- Police formed a Special Investigation Team for ongoing cases.
- Punjab State Women Commission is involved for the victim's safety.
Chandigarh, March 28 (NationPress) A court in Mohali, Punjab, has found Bajinder Singh, a 42-year-old self-claimed Christian preacher from Jalandhar, guilty in a 2018 sexual harassment case. The sentencing will be announced on April 1. The allegations involve rape, with the victim asserting that the pastor coerced her into non-consensual relations under the guise of promising her a trip abroad. Additionally, the victim accused him of recording an obscene video of her.
The case was lodged against the pastor on April 20, 2018, in Zirakpur, Mohali district, under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Information Technology (IT) Act. Alongside the pastor, five others, including Pastor Jatinder and Akbar, as well as Sattar Ali and Sandeep Pehelwan, were also implicated.
Known for his claims of performing miraculous healings, Bajinder Singh appeared in court on Monday in Mohali, where the verdict was subsequently reserved.
Earlier this February, he faced allegations of sexually harassing another woman. A video surfaced on March 16, showing him physically assaulting a woman in his Chandigarh office, which quickly went viral. This victim, a Mohali local who had previously worked with his organization, claimed he had sent her inappropriate messages and summoned her to his office for unwanted advances. In response, the police have established a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by Superintendent of Police Rupinder Kaur to investigate the allegations.
The Punjab State Women Commission also took suo-motu notice of the situation, directing measures to ensure the complainant's safety. In 2022, Bajinder Singh faced accusations of defrauding a family from Delhi who sought treatment for their daughter, who unfortunately did not survive.
