In a significant court ruling on Tuesday, Bajinder Singh, a self-proclaimed preacher known as the ‘Yeshu Yeshu prophet,’ was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Mohali court in Punjab for a rape committed in 2018. The verdict was delivered by the Additional District and Sessions Judge (ADSJ) Vikrant Kumar, marking a conclusive moment in a case that has garnered considerable public attention.
Singh was convicted under several sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 376 (rape), 323 (voluntary causing hurt), and 506 (criminal intimidation). However, five other individuals associated with the case — Akhbar Bhatti, Rajesh Chaudhary, Jatinder Kumar, Sitar Ali, and Sandeep Pehlwan — were acquitted.
The case traces back to a complaint filed by a woman in 2018 at the Zirakpur police station, where she accused Singh of luring her with promises of taking her abroad, raping her at his residence in Sector 63, Mohali, and filming the act to use as leverage against her. The verdict comes after Singh was arrested in 2018 at the Delhi airport while attempting to flee to London and subsequently released on bail.
Anil Kumar Sagar, the counsel representing the victim, stated outside the court, “He (Singh) will remain behind bars till his last breath.” The victim herself expressed relief and satisfaction with the court’s decision, signaling an end to her long struggle for justice.
Singh’s controversial figure is not limited to this case alone; he has been involved in multiple legal issues, including another sexual harassment charge filed against him earlier this year. Moreover, a recent incident captured on CCTV showing Singh assaulting a woman further compounded his notoriety.
Operating The Church of Glory and Wisdom with branches in India and possibly abroad, Singh, originally a Jat from Haryana who converted to Christianity over a decade ago, has a considerable following. His church’s services, aimed at healing and spiritual enlightenment, attract large crowds and are broadcasted live on his YouTube channel, which boasts 3.74 million subscribers.
