Who's Bajinder Singh, Punjab pastor booked for sexual harassment, stalking
What's the story
A self-proclaimed Christian preacher, Bajinder Singh, has been accused of sexual harassment, stalking, and criminal intimidation by a 22-year-old woman in Punjab's Jalandhar district. The Kapurthala police registered the case against Singh on February 28 under sections 354A (sexual harassment), 354D (stalking), and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code. The complainant alleged she had been subjected to inappropriate advances from Singh since she was 17 and part of his church team.
Allegations detailed
Singh's inappropriate behavior spanned 2 years
The woman alleged that Singh sent her inappropriate messages and touched her inappropriately between 2020 and 2022. "In 2022, I attended his congregations...where he used to touch me inappropriately when I was alone in his cabin," she said. She also alleged that he threatened her with dire consequences if she revealed these incidents. Singh, who runs the Church of Glory and Wisdom in Tajpur, Jalandhar, has claimed innocence and said the allegations were conspiracies to hinder his religious work.
Public address
Singh claims innocence, alleges conspiracy against him
Addressing thousands of attendees at his church, Singh said, "Conspiracies are on against me on social media." He brought his three children on stage to bolster his credibility, claiming the allegations were false. The complainant said she suffered panic attacks due to threats from Singh and sought treatment at three hospitals. She also alleged Singh followed her while she was on her way to college.
Supporter's stance
Supporters demand investigation, associate alleges conspiracy
Meanwhile, supporters of Singh blocked a road near Lambhra, demanding a detailed investigation into the matter. Avtar Singh, a close associate of the church, claimed the FIR was part of a conspiracy against Bajinder. Kapurthala City police station house officer Bikramjit Singh said they are verifying the allegations before proceeding with an arrest based on evidence gathered during the investigation.
Past controversies
Singh's controversial past and ongoing investigation
Hailing from Haryana, Bajinder became a self-styled preacher in 2012. He is famous for "miracle healing" and has nearly three million social media followers. In 2022, he was accused of rape but was acquitted as charges couldn't be proven in court. He was also embroiled in another controversy when a family accused him of taking money for unsuccessful prayer-based cancer treatment. In February 2023, income tax authorities raided his residence and church in New Chandigarh.