Old Video Of Chhattisgarh MLA Praising Rape-Convict ‘Yeshu Yeshu’ Pastor Reignites Controversy
Self-styled preacher Pastor Bajinder Singh was sentenced to life imprisonment in connection with a 2018 rape case.
An old video of Chhattisgarh Congress MLA Kavita Pran Lahrey has resurfaced, stirring fresh controversy. In the clip, she is seen bowing before self-proclaimed godman and “Yeshu Yeshu" pastor Bajinder Singh, touching his feet and showering him with praise. The timing of this video’s reappearance is notable – just as the pastor has been sentenced to life imprisonment in a 2018 sexual harassment case. The Mohali court, which found Singh guilty, showed no leniency. His mercy plea was outright rejected, with the court remarking that a person presenting himself as a religious leader cannot betray the trust of those who believe in him.
Singh now faces life imprisonment for crimes under IPC Sections 376 (rape), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt) and 506 (criminal intimidation).
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In the now resurfaced video, MLA Kavita Pran Lahrey can be seen expressing her gratitude towards the preacher. She credits him for her 2023 electoral victory from Bilaigarh, claiming his blessings paved her way to success. She mentions visiting him for the first time in December 2022 and suggests that his predictions about her winning came true. The footage originally made headlines last year in February, when the pastor was already facing allegations of sexual harassment and forced religious conversions.
“I have come in front of you as an MLA. Thank you. I hope father (Pastor Singh) keeps blessing me like this always," she is heard saying in the video. She further recalls his prediction: “Pappa ne mujhse kaha, beti tu chinta mat kar. 2023 me Ishu Maseeh tujhe bahut bada pad dene ja rahe hain. (Father said, daughter, don’t you worry. God will bless you with a big designation in 2023.)"
Watch it here:
With Singh now convicted and facing multiple legal battles, the emergence of this video has only added to the storm surrounding him. The Mohali court found him guilty of raping a woman volunteer from his team, an act he allegedly recorded to blackmail her into silence. He was arrested at Delhi airport on July 20, 2018, while trying to flee to London. The woman, who worked closely with him, accused him of assaulting her at his Mohali residence and later threatened to release the footage if she dared to speak out. After her complaint in April 2018, Singh went into hiding but was eventually apprehended.
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