The Impressive TimesNew Delhi : A Mohali court on Tuesday sentenced Bajinder Singh, a self-styled pastor from Punjab, to life imprisonment for his involvement in the 2018 Zirakpur rape case. The court had earlier convicted him last week under Sections 376 (rape), 323 (punishment for voluntarily causing hurt), and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code. The verdict came after a long legal battle, with the court finding Bajinder Singh guilty of the heinous crime.
The incident dates back to 2018, when Bajinder Singh was accused of raping a woman in Zirakpur, a town near Chandigarh. The victim, who had known Bajinder Singh through his religious activities, reported the crime, which led to his arrest and trial. The case became widely known due to the involvement of a self-styled religious figure, and the nature of the crime shocked the local community.
Along with Bajinder Singh, five other accused, including pastor Jatinder, pastor Akbar, Sattar Ali, and Sandeep Pehalwan, were acquitted by the court due to insufficient evidence against them. Their acquittal has been met with mixed reactions, but the focus now remains on Bajinder Singh, who has been sentenced to life imprisonment.
In response to the court’s decision, the victim expressed a mix of relief and concern for her safety. She stated that although she was pleased with the conviction, she feared for her life once Bajinder Singh completes his sentence. “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,” the victim said. She further added, “A lot of girls (victims) have won today,” referring to the justice served to her and other potential victims who might have been subjected to similar abuse.
The victim also voiced concerns about her safety and the possibility of retaliatory attacks. “I request that DGP ensure our security since there is a possibility of attacks on us,” she stated, highlighting the emotional toll such cases take on survivors and their families.
This case has brought attention to the exploitation of religious figures for criminal activities and has raised concerns about the safety and well-being of women, particularly those in vulnerable situations. The court’s decision to convict Bajinder Singh sends a strong message against such crimes, but the victim’s call for enhanced security underscores the ongoing challenges that women face in seeking justice.
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