Controversial Pastor Bajinder Singh Faces Serious Allegations Amid Expanding Ministry

Pastor Bajinder Singh, a prominent figure in Punjab's evangelical community, is currently embroiled in serious legal challenges following allegations of sexual harassment and mental torture. A 22-year-old woman has accused Singh of inappropriate behavior, claiming that the misconduct began when she was 17. The complainant, who had been associated with Singh's Church of Glory and Wisdom since 2017, alleges that Singh engaged in unwanted and vulgar conversations, sent inappropriate messages, and touched her inappropriately during private meetings in 2022. In response to these allegations, the National Commission for Women (NCW) has called for Singh's arrest and urged authorities to provide protection for the victim. The NCW has taken suo motu cognizance of media reports on the case, emphasizing the need for prompt and strict action under the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS). A case has been registered against Singh under sections 354 A (sexual harassment), 354 D (stalking), and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code. Singh has vehemently denied the allegations, labeling them as false and baseless. He claims that the victim's evidence, including chat logs, is fabricated and asserts that his interactions with her were purely spiritual, aimed at addressing her purported affliction by an "evil spirit." Singh has publicly referred to the woman as a "daughter" and expressed a commitment to pray for her well-being. Born on September 10, 1982, Bajinder Singh's journey to becoming a pastor is unconventional. Originally a Jat Sikh, Singh's life took a transformative turn during a prison sentence related to a murder case in 2008. It was during this incarceration that he encountered a Christian pastor, leading to his conversion to Christianity. In 2016, Singh established his first church in Chandigarh, followed by another in Tajpur, Jalandhar, later that year. His ministry, the Church of Glory and Wisdom, has since expanded, attracting a significant following, particularly among economically disadvantaged communities. Despite his growing influence, Singh's ministry has been marred by legal controversies. In 2018, he was arrested in Zirakpur on charges of rape, though he was later granted bail. The case remains pending. Additionally, in January 2023, the Income Tax Department conducted raids on Singh's church and residences in Jalandhar and Mohali, investigating alleged financial irregularities and fraud. His ministry has faced accusations of collecting large sums of money under the pretense of offering "miraculous healings." Singh's organization, the Prophet Bajinder Singh Ministry, operates as a non-governmental organization (NGO) claiming to provide charitable services through its churches. However, many followers reportedly avoid officially converting to Christianity, likely due to concerns about losing government benefits tied to their original community status. Singh is known for claiming abilities such as healing illnesses through prayer and predicting the future, which have drawn both support and skepticism. The recent allegations have intensified scrutiny of Singh's activities. The complainant has accused Singh of pressuring her to marry him despite his existing marriage and threatening to harm her family if she spoke out. She detailed years of harassment, panic attacks, and intimidation, which continued even during her marriage and pregnancy. A special investigation team has been formed to probe these charges, and the NCW has requested an Action Taken Report (ATR) and First Information Report (FIR) within three days to further assess the situation. In the face of these allegations, Singh's supporters have organized protests, claiming that the victim's statements are false and asserting his innocence. Singh maintains his denial of all allegations, stating, "I have two children at home, I am the father of small children, I can never do such a wrong thing." As investigations continue, the case against Pastor Bajinder Singh underscores the complexities surrounding religious leadership, legal accountability, and the protection of vulnerable individuals within faith communities. The outcome of this case may have significant implications for Singh's ministry and the broader discourse on ethical conduct among religious leaders.