In a landmark ruling, Pastor Bajinder Singh, a self-proclaimed Christian preacher, was convicted in a rape case from 2018. The court’s decision, handed down by the Additional District and Sessions Judge in Mohali, has sent shockwaves through both religious and local communities. The sentencing, which will determine his punishment, is scheduled for April 1. Singh's case, which has been closely followed by the public and media, is a stark reminder of the abuse of power and trust within religious institutions.
The Conviction: A Breakthrough in the 2018 Zirakpur Rape Case
Bajinder Singh, aged 42, was convicted by a Mohali court under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for his involvement in a sexual assault case dating back to 2018. Singh was found guilty of the following charges:
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Section 376 (Rape)
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Section 323 (Voluntarily Causing Hurt)
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Section 506 (Criminal Intimidation)
Despite the court's conviction, five co-accused in the case—Jatinder Kumar, Akbar Bhatti, Rajesh Chaudhary, Sitar Ali, and Sandeep Pehlwan—were acquitted due to insufficient evidence.
Singh was arrested in 2018 at Delhi’s airport while attempting to board a flight to London, shortly after the FIR was filed by a woman from Zirakpur who accused him of sexual assault. According to the complainant, Singh exploited her under the pretext of helping her with moving abroad. She also alleged that he recorded an obscene video during the assault and threatened to release it on social media unless she complied with his demands.
The Background: Allegations and Previous Legal Troubles
Bajinder Singh, who runs The Church of Glory and Wisdom, has been at the center of several disturbing allegations over the years. Before this conviction, Singh was also booked in multiple legal cases, including sexual harassment, stalking, and assault.
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Zirakpur Sexual Assault (2018)
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Victim’s Account: The woman, a resident of Zirakpur, accused Singh of sexually assaulting her and recording the act. He allegedly used this video to blackmail her into submission.
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Other Accused: While Singh was convicted, five of his associates were acquitted due to lack of evidence.
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Kapurthala Sexual Harassment and Stalking (2025)
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Singh was charged with sexual harassment (Section 354A), stalking (Section 354D), and criminal intimidation (Section 506) based on the complaint of a 22-year-old woman. She accused him of inappropriate conduct dating back to 2002, involving unwanted physical advances and threats to her family.
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A special investigation team (SIT) was formed to probe this case, though Singh has denied the allegations.
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Mohali Assault and Intimidation (2025)
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In late March 2025, Singh faced fresh charges after a video of him assaulting a woman and a man went viral. The woman, Ranjit Kaur, 40, worked for Singh for over 13 years. She accused him of assault and attempted strangulation during an altercation at his office.
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Bajinder Singh's Role in the Religious Community
Despite the growing legal challenges, Singh continued to maintain a large following. He runs two prominent churches—The Church of Glory and Wisdom in Majri, Mohali, and another in Jalandhar. Singh’s church services often claim to offer healing for ailments, attracting thousands of followers who believe in his supposed ability to perform miracles.
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Global Reach: Singh has expanded his reach globally, claiming to oversee more than 260 churches worldwide.
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Social Media Influence: His services are widely broadcasted on YouTube, where his channel has gained over 3.74 million subscribers.
The Past: From a Jailed Man to a Pastor
Bajinder Singh's journey to becoming a controversial religious figure is not without intrigue. Born into a Haryanvi Jat family, Singh converted to Christianity in 2012 while serving time in jail for a murder conviction. During his incarceration, he reportedly met a pastor who introduced him to Christianity. After his release, Singh began conducting prayer meetings, which quickly grew in popularity, and he eventually founded The Church of Glory and Wisdom.
Ongoing Investigations and Further Allegations
In addition to the 2018 rape case, Singh is facing multiple other investigations:
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Kapurthala Case (2025): As mentioned, Singh was booked for sexual harassment and stalking in February 2025. The investigation into this case is ongoing, and a special SIT has been formed to pursue the matter.
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Mohali Assault (2025): Singh’s role in an assault captured on CCTV has raised further questions about his conduct, with authorities actively investigating the claims.
The Road Ahead for Bajinder Singh
The conviction of Bajinder Singh is a significant step towards justice for the victims, but the case is far from over. As the court prepares to announce his sentence on April 1, Singh's legacy as a controversial pastor and the continued legal proceedings surrounding him will undoubtedly remain in the public eye. His influence within the religious community is a testament to the complex intersection of power, faith, and accountability, and the legal system’s role in ensuring justice for all.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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