NCW demands immediate arrest of 'Yashu, Yashu' pastor Bajinder Singh in sexual harassment case

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has called for the immediate arrest of Punjabi pastor Bajinder Singh after a woman alleged that he sexually harassed, mentally tortured, and intimidated her. In a post on X, the NCW, under the direction of Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar, took suo motu cognizance of the media reports about Singh, who has been booked for sexual harassment in Jalandhar, Punjab.

The NCW has urged swift action under the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, which includes Singh’s arrest and providing protection for the victim. The Commission has also requested that an action taken report (ATR) and a copy of the First Information Report (FIR) be submitted within three days.

A case has been filed against Singh under sections 354 A (sexual harassment), 354 D (stalking), and 506 (criminal intimidation). The victim, who had previously stated that she was being pressured to withdraw her statement, has claimed that she was subjected to repeated sexual harassment and intimidation by the pastor.

The complainant alleges that she and her family had been visiting Singh’s Church of Glory and Wisdom since 2017, and that she became part of his worship team from 2020 to 2022. During this time, Singh reportedly took her phone number and began sending her inappropriate messages. She claims that he would engage in unwanted and vulgar conversations over the phone, which she objected to. In 2022, she further alleged that Singh touched her inappropriately during private meetings in his cabin and followed her to college.

Singh, known for his exuberant church services broadcasted on social media platforms like YouTube, has denied all allegations, calling them false. He stated, "I have two children at home, I am the father of small children, I can never do such a wrong thing."

Supporters of the pastor have staged massive protests, claiming that the victim’s statement is false and that Singh is innocent. Despite this, a special investigation team has been formed to probe the charges against the popular pastor.

The woman also accused Singh of being involved in illegal activities, including opium trafficking and selling girls to brothels, adding a further layer of severity to the allegations.