Bajinder Singh
Bajinder Singh | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 10 September 1982 Yamunanagar, Haryana, India |
| Organization(s) | Church of Glory and Wisdom |
| Criminal status | Incarcerated |
| Convictions | 2018 rape case[1] |
| Criminal charge | Rape |
| Penalty | Life imprisonment |
| Imprisoned at | Central Jail, Patiala[2] |
Bajinder Singh (born 10 September 1982) is an Indian Evangelical Christian pastor and a convicted rapist.[3][4] He gained popularity for his claimed miracle healings and for attracting a considerable following through his ministry, the Church of Glory and Wisdom.
His ministry operates several branches in Punjab and other locations, and he is known for holding large prayer meetings that are often accompanied by public performances.
He was sentenced to life imprisonment on 1 April 2025.
Background
[edit]Baljinder was born in Yamunanagar, Haryana. He was jailed for murder during the early 2000s.[5][6]
After his release, he began conducting prayer meetings in 2012. His ministry claims to offer miraculous healings and solutions to various health ailments.[7]
Controversy
[edit]In 2018, he was arrested in connection with a rape case involving a woman from Zirakpur, Punjab.[6] It was alleged that he sexually assaulted the victim under the pretext of offering her travel opportunities abroad. Various families have also accused him of exploiting vulnerable members of the community through financial fraud, including demanding large sums of money for healing services that alleged did not produce results.[8]
Bajinder was arrested by Punjab police on accusations of rape and sexual abuse by a woman who attended the church.[9][10]
In March 2025, at the same time as the sexual abuse case, a video went viral showing Bajinder assaulting a man and a woman in his office. [11] On 28 March 2025, he was found guilty in the 2018 rape case by a local court in Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, and sentenced to life imprisonment.[1][12] [13]
Influence
[edit]Bajinder has gained influence in Punjab through his engagement with celebrities and politicians.[14] He invites celebrities from the entertainment industry and local politicians to participate in his church prayer meetings and functions, which often leads to increased attendance and awareness.[15] Many people have publicly supported his events which has led to allegations of promoting celebrities.[16][17][18]
References
[edit]- ^ a b "'Yeshu Yeshu Prophet' Bajinder Singh Found Guilty In 2018 Rape Case". www.ndtv.com. Retrieved 29 March 2025.
- ^ Barinderjit Saluja (2 April 2025). "Pentecostal pastor Bajinder Singh to spend life in prison for rape". The Times of India.
- ^ "Pastor Bajinder embraced Christianity while in jail in murder case". The Tribune. Retrieved 27 December 2024.
- ^ Kumar, Nitin (28 March 2025). "Bajinder, self-proclaimed pastor, convicted in 2018 rape case, sentencing on April 1". India TV News. Retrieved 28 March 2025.
- ^ "How did Bajinder Singh, who was once jailed for murder case, become hugely popular Christian religious leader?". www.india.com. Retrieved 28 December 2024.
- ^ a b "A self-styled faith healer held for raping Zirakpur woman". Hindustan Times. 19 July 2018. Archived from the original on 23 September 2024. Retrieved 27 December 2024.
- ^ Sethi, Chitleen K. (11 January 2022). "Cure cancer, undo death: Punjab's Christian 'prophet, pastors' offer miracles, compete with deras". ThePrint. Retrieved 27 December 2024.
- ^ "Pastors amassed huge wealth in 4 years, links with cops under lens". The Tribune. Retrieved 27 December 2024.
- ^ "Case against 'yeshu yeshu' pastor Bajinder for sex harassment, mental torture,rape". Hindustan Times. 7 March 2025. Retrieved 16 March 2025.
- ^ Kissu, Sagrika (6 March 2025). "Pastor Bajinder Singh is Baba Ram Rahim of Punjab Christians. Now, 'Papa' is in trouble". ThePrint. Retrieved 8 April 2025.
- ^ "Another case against 'Yashu Yashu' pastor, this time over thrashing man, woman". 25 March 2025.
- ^ "Pastor Bajinder Singh found guilty in 2018 sexual harassment case". 28 March 2025.
- ^ "Christian preacher in India gets life in jail for raping woman". www.bbc.com. April 2025. Retrieved 1 April 2025.
- ^ "Call of faith: Promising pull of Punjabi pastors". Hindustan Times. 19 February 2023. Archived from the original on 21 January 2024. Retrieved 27 December 2024.
- ^ "Pastor makes rival villain with GulshanGrover over star-lit Christmas parties". The Times of India. 1 January 2024. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 27 December 2024.
- ^ "Tajpur's star studded Christmas event triggers controversy". The Tribune. Retrieved 27 December 2024.
- ^ "Amid hustle-bustle, BJP quietly reaches out to 'miracle performing' pastors". The Indian Express. 31 May 2024. Retrieved 27 December 2024.
- ^ "Chunky Panday, Aditya Pancholi and Sunil Pal Trolled For Attending Pastor Bajinder Singh's Event". News18. Retrieved 27 December 2024.
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