A court in Punjab’s Mohali on Tuesday sentenced self-styled pastor Bajinder Singh to life imprisonment in connection with a 2018 rape case.
The verdict was pronounced by Additional District and Sessions Judge (ADSJ) Vikrant Kumar, bringing an end to the long-pending legal proceedings against the accused.
Bajinder Singh was found guilty on March 28 under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including Section 376 (rape), Section 323 (punishment for voluntarily causing hurt), and Section 506 (criminal intimidation). The case was initially registered in 2018 based on a complaint filed by a woman at the Zirakpur police station in Mohali.
Ahead of the pronouncement of the verdict, tight security arrangements were put in place at the court complex to prevent any untoward incidents. The judgment marks a significant ruling in the case that had drawn considerable attention from both legal and Christian community circles.
Authorities confirmed that Bajinder Singh will now serve a life sentence as per the court’s directive. The case has been closely followed due to its implications within religious communities and the broader issue of legal actions against self-proclaimed religious leaders involved in criminal activities.
Further details regarding potential appeals or additional legal proceedings remain to be seen. Meanwhile, law enforcement officials have reiterated their commitment to upholding justice and ensuring the safety of victims in such cases.
