Probe Underway Following Allegations from 22-Year-Old Woman
Punjab Police confirmed on Friday that they have initiated an investigation into sexual harassment allegations against self-styled Christian preacher, Bajinder Singh. Singh, a 42-year-old pastor, faces charges based on a complaint filed by a 22-year-old woman on February 28.Kapurthala's Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Gaurav Toora, stated that the investigation is currently ongoing but declined to provide further details on the case.
Pastor Faces Serious Charges
Bajinder Singh has been booked under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including:- Section 354A (Sexual Harassment)
- Section 354D (Stalking)
- Section 506 (Criminal Intimidation)
Details of the Complaint
According to the complaint filed by the woman, she and her family started attending Singh’s church in October 2017. Soon after, Singh reportedly acquired her mobile number and began sending unsolicited text messages. The complainant stated that she kept quiet initially, fearing Singh.The allegations further reveal that, starting from 2022, Singh would make her sit alone in a private cabin at the church premises every Sunday. During these instances, the pastor allegedly hugged and inappropriately touched her. Moreover, the woman claimed Singh threatened to harm her and her family if she filed a complaint.
Women’s Commissions Demand Action
Taking cognizance of the severity of the allegations, the Punjab State Women Commission initiated a suo-motu inquiry and instructed the authorities to provide adequate security to the complainant.Additionally, Vijaya Rahatkar, Chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW), demanded swift and firm action from Punjab Police during a press conference held in Delhi on Friday.
Bajinder Singh Refutes Allegations
Bajinder Singh has vehemently denied all allegations, labeling them as entirely baseless. He argued that fake messages could easily be fabricated, challenging authorities to produce evidence. Singh further claimed:
History of Controversies
This is not Singh's first brush with controversy:- 2018: He was arrested at Delhi Airport while attempting to fly to London after a Zirakpur-based woman accused him of sexual harassment. A Mohali court recently issued warrants against him in connection with this case.
- 2022: Singh faced accusations of accepting money from a Delhi family for treating their daughter's illness, who later passed away despite his claimed interventions.
- 2023: Income-tax officials raided Singh’s premises, raising suspicions of financial irregularities.
Background of Bajinder Singh
Born in Haryana into a Jat family, Bajinder Singh converted to Christianity over a decade ago. He launched his preaching career in 2012, eventually establishing the "Church of Glory and Wisdom," which operates in Tajpur, Jalandhar, and Majri, Mohali.
Singh has garnered a substantial following, with congregations broadcast live on his YouTube channel "Prophet Bajinder Singh," which boasts approximately 3.74 million subscribers. Followers typically attend these gatherings hoping for miraculous cures to various ailments.
