Mohali Court Delivers Verdict in High-Profile Case Against 'Yeshu Yeshu Prophet'
Chandigarh, April 1: A Mohali court on Tuesday sentenced self-styled preacher Bajinder Singh to life imprisonment in a 2018 rape case, marking the conclusion of a long-drawn legal battle that has remained in the spotlight due to Singh's controversial persona and widespread online following.Additional District and Sessions Judge Vikrant Kumar pronounced the verdict after Singh was found guilty on March 28. Singh, who often referred to himself as the 'Yeshu Yeshu prophet', was convicted under Sections 376 (rape), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Five Acquitted, Victim Welcomes Verdict
While Singh received a life sentence, five other co-accused — Akhbar Bhatti, Rajesh Chaudhary, Jatinder Kumar, Sitar Ali, and Sandeep Pehlwan — were acquitted in the same case due to lack of evidence.The courtroom was heavily secured as Singh was brought in from Mansa Jail under tight police protection. The victim, whose complaint initiated the case back in 2018, expressed relief and satisfaction with the court’s decision.
Details of the 2018 Case
The case was filed at Zirakpur police station in Mohali district after the victim accused Singh of luring her with promises to send her abroad. She alleged that Singh raped her at his residence in Sector 63, Mohali, and recorded the act, later using the video to intimidate her into silence.Singh was initially arrested in 2018 from Delhi airport while attempting to fly to London. He was later granted bail. However, a non-bailable warrant was issued against him by the Mohali court on March 3 this year after he failed to appear.
Multiple Allegations and Controversies
Singh, a convert from Haryana’s Jat community who now heads The Church of Glory and Wisdom in Jalandhar with branches in Mohali and beyond, has been embroiled in several other controversies.On February 28, he was booked in another sexual harassment case following a complaint by a 22-year-old woman. In response, Kapurthala Police formed a three-member special investigation team (SIT) to probe these allegations.
Adding to the controversy, a video surfaced on social media showing Singh allegedly slapping a woman and throwing papers at her. The footage, reportedly dated February 14, led to another FIR filed by Mohali Police on March 25 under assault and related charges.
Massive Online Presence
Singh's religious gatherings attracted thousands, with followers believing in his healing powers. These events were live-streamed on his YouTube channel, ‘Prophet Bajinder Singh’, which boasts a subscriber base of 3.74 million.“He Will Remain Behind Bars Till His Last Breath”
The victim's legal counsel, Anil Kumar Sagar, confirmed Singh’s life sentence, stating, “He will remain behind bars till his last breath.” The court’s decision marks a major legal and symbolic setback for Singh, who had risen to prominence through online evangelism and mass congregations.
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