A Mohali court on Tuesday awarded life imprisonment to self-styled Punjab pastor Bajinder Singh in the 2018 Zirakpur rape case. The court pronounced his conviction last week. Pastor Bajinder was convicted under Sections 376 (rape), 323 (punishment for voluntarily causing hurt) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code. Five other accused in the case—pastor Jatinder, pastor Akbar, Sattar Ali, and Sandeep Pehalwan— were acquitted. Reacting to the verdict, the victim in the case said, "He (Bajinder) is a psycho and will do the same offense after coming out of jail, so I want him to stay in the prison. A lot of girls (victims) have won today. I request that DGP ensure our security since there is a possibility of attacks on us."She earlier demanded at least 20 years of imprisonment for the accused. Advocate Anil Sagar, counsel for the victim, emphasised the need for exemplary punishment. "There is a punishment of 10-20 years for the offense of rape depending upon the circumstances of the case. In this case, I pray for the highest quantum because this person used to lure people in the name of religion. It is important to punish him exemplarily. I hope that after this, the girls who are facing such crimes will come forth and speak about the atrocities," he said. The case dates back to 2018, when a woman from Zirakpur complained, alleging that Bajinder sexually assaulted her under the pretence of helping her travel abroad.
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The woman claimed that he recorded an obscene video of her and threatened to post the video on social media if she did not agree to his demands. Bajinder was out on bail in the case. The complainant had previously stated that she was being pressured to withdraw her statement. Supporters of the self-styled godman have held massive protests claiming that the victim had given a false statement and that he was innocent. Earlier in February, Punjab Police registered another FIR against Pastor Bajinder Singh after a complaint was filed by a woman named Ranjeet Kaur alleging assault on her, said Punjab police officials on Tuesday.
The incident reportedly took place after a prayer session, where Kaur claimed that she, along with others, was mistreated and physically assaulted. Kaur, narrating her ordeal, alleged that she was attacked when she tried to intervene in an assault on another individual present at the gathering. 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. Bajinder has gained influence in Punjab through his engagement with celebrities and politicians. 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.