From viral ‘Yashu Yashu’ fame to prison: Bajinder Singh jailed for life in 2018 rape case

Self-proclaimed spiritual healer and viral preacher Bajinder Singh has been sentenced to life imprisonment by a Mohali court in connection with a 2018 rape case. Singh, who claims to miraculously heal diseases, was found guilty of sexual misconduct and rape last week and was subsequently arrested. He is now lodged at Patiala jail.

The case dates back to 2018, when a woman alleged that Bajinder lured her to his Mohali residence under the pretext of helping her settle abroad. According to the complaint, he not only raped her but also filmed the act and later blackmailed her, demanding a hefty sum in exchange for not leaking the footage. Following her complaint, an FIR was registered, leading to Bajinder’s arrest at Delhi airport the same year. However, he was later granted bail, allowing him to continue his high-profile evangelical activities.

The victim’s lawyer welcomed the court’s decision, stating that such an exemplary punishment was necessary for a man who had misused his influence under the garb of religion. "He was known as ‘Papa ji’ among his followers. When a person of such stature commits such a heinous crime, strict action is needed to set an example," the lawyer said.

Bajinder Singh first gained fame with his viral "Yashu Yashu" videos, where he claimed to cure people suffering from HIV, paralysis, and speech impairments through prayers. His alleged miracles drew millions of followers, especially on social media, where he amassed 3.12 million YouTube subscribers and over 1.1 million Instagram followers. He runs multiple churches in Punjab, particularly in Jalandhar and Mohali, where thousands gather for his healing sessions.

His legal troubles are far from over. Another sexual harassment case has been filed against him based on the complaint of a 22-year-old woman, and in February 2025, another FIR was registered against him for allegedly assaulting a woman. The ongoing allegations have cast a shadow over his religious empire, raising questions about the exploitation of faith for personal gains.

Born into a Jat family in Haryana, Bajinder converted to Christianity during a jail term for a previous murder case. Over the years, he transformed into a well-known pastor, drawing endorsements from celebrities and politicians alike. However, his conviction marks a dramatic fall from grace, exposing the dark side of self-proclaimed spiritual leaders who misuse their influence for criminal activities.