Chandigarh, April 1, 2025 (Bharat Khabarnama Bureau) – In a landmark verdict, a Mohali court on Monday sentenced Pastor Bajinder Singh, head of the Church of Glory and Wisdom established at village Tajpur in Jalandhar district, to life imprisonment till death for committing rape of a woman who had sought spiritual guidance from him. The court found him guilty of sexual assault, criminal intimidation and blackmail, marking a significant moment in the fight against abuse by religious leaders.
According to the prosecution, the victim had approached Bajinder Singh, a native of Haryana, for counseling, trusting him as a spiritual guide. However, the pastor allegedly lured her under the pretext of helping her settle abroad, took her to his home and raped her. Shockingly, he recorded a video of the assault and later threatened to leak it on social media if she resisted or reported the crime.
The survivor mustered courage and filed a complaint with the police, leading to an FIR under Sections 376 (rape), 506 (criminal intimidation), and 354 (assault or criminal force to outrage modesty) of the IPC. Medical reports, witness statements, and digital evidence played a crucial role in securing the conviction.
After examining all evidence, Additional Sessions Judge Mohali held the Pastor guilty, stating: “The accused exploited his position of trust to commit a heinous crime. His actions were not only a betrayal of faith but also a grave criminal offense deserving the strictest punishment.”
In addition to life imprisonment, the court imposed a fine of Rs 50,000, to be paid as compensation to the survivor.
Another Pending Case Adds to His Troubles
This sentencing comes at a time when self proclaimed pastor and godman Bajinder Singh is already embroiled in another serious case involving sexual exploitation and physical assault of a different woman. Investigators are now revisiting past complaints against him to ensure no other victims are denied justice. Authorities have urged other potential victims to come forward, assuring them of legal protection.
Women’s rights activists have hailed the verdict as a strong message against abuse by religious figures. They said “this judgment reaffirms that no one, regardless of their religious authority, can escape the law. Survivors must be encouraged to speak up.”
Meanwhile, members of the Church of Glory expressed mixed reactions, with some supporters claiming innocence of Pastor while others expressed shock at the allegations.
Bajinder Singh’s lawyers have indicated plans to appeal the verdict in the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Meanwhile, the survivor has been provided police protection following alleged threats from the pastor’s associates and to be kept in safe barracks in Patiala jail.
