In a major legal breakthrough, so-called pastor Bajinder Singh has been given a life sentence for his role in a 2018 rape case. Singh, who has made headlines with his “viral” “Yeshu Yeshu” clips, was found guilty by a court in Mohali, Punjab, under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code, including rape (Section 376), voluntarily causing hurt (Section 323), and criminal intimidation (Section 506).
Who Is Bajinder Singh?
Bajinder Singh, who hails from Yamunanagar in Haryana, was born into a Hindu Jat family but became a Christian 15 years ago when he was serving a jail term for a charge of murder. Singh gained fame over the years as a pastor and faith healer. In 2016, he established his ministry, the Church of Glory and Wisdom, where he said he performed miraculous healings.
Using social media sites such as YouTube and Instagram, Singh gained thousands of followers. His YouTube channel, with more than 3.7 million subscribers, had videos of his so-called miracles, including curing HIV and muteness. Singh gained special popularity by singing “Mera Yeshu Yeshu” at his events, which further established his reputation as a faith healer. On Instagram, he named himself Prophet Bajinder Singh.
Mera Yeshu Yeshu 🤷♂️ https://t.co/o49FeQHvxA pic.twitter.com/MzxAi3EjxY
— Voice of Punjab 🇮🇳 (@voiceof_punjab) April 1, 2025
The 2018 Rape Case Against Bajinder Singh
Singh’s downfall began with the 2018 rape case, in which a woman filed a complaint at the Zirakpur police station in Mohali. She accused Singh of luring her with false promises of taking her abroad and then sexually assaulting her at his residence in Mohali’s Sector 63. The victim also alleged that Singh recorded the assault and later used the footage to intimidate her into silence. The court’s judgment has now sealed Singh’s fate in this sensational case.
Besides the rape conviction, Singh is also in legal trouble in another sexual harassment case lodged on February 28 of this year.
Viral Assault Video and Other Legal Issues
Piling on his growing legal woes, Bajinder Singh was recently caught on CCTV attacking a woman on February 14. The video, which went viral on social media, depicts Singh arguing with the woman, followed by him hurling papers at her and slapping her. This led to additional criminal charges, and on March 25, Mohali Police filed a case against Singh for assault and other crimes.
A Troubling Downfall
With several allegations and legal wars in store, Bajinder Singh’s life has seen a sharp detour from that of a widely popular faith leader to a criminal with serious charges. His case brings into focus the perils of self-styled religious leaders who misuse religion for their interests, pointing to the current scrutiny of such people in India.
