Punjab Pastor and 12 Others Booked for Rape and Kidnapping in Dera Baba Nanak

In a shocking incident in Dera Baba Nanak, a 22-year-old woman has accused a pastor and 12 other individuals of rape, kidnapping, and forced religious conversion. The case has been registered at the Dera Baba Nanak police station, drawing attention to the rising number of such incidents involving Christian pastors in Punjab.

The Gripping Allegations: Forced Conversion and Rape

According to the victim’s complaint, the accused pastor, Manjit Singh, alongside his family members and others, abducted her from her home on January 19. She alleged that Sawar Masih, the father of Pastor Manjit Singh, had obtained her ID from her cousin, Napinder Singh, and began stalking her on social media. On that fateful day, Sawar Masih, along with other family members, allegedly kidnapped the victim at gunpoint, holding her hostage in an undisclosed location for three months.

During her captivity, the victim claimed she was subjected to repeated sexual assaults by multiple individuals, including Pastor Manjit Singh. The accused pastor allegedly told her that she would now be a Christian, forcing her to convert under duress.

The victim’s ordeal ended on April 13 when she managed to escape, reportedly because the accused individuals had left the house without securing her. The brave woman immediately contacted authorities, leading to the filing of the FIR and the subsequent investigation.

The Accused and Legal Proceedings

In addition to Pastor Manjit Singh, several family members have been named in the FIR. The list includes Sawar Masih (the father), Kajal, Rina, and Jina (the sisters), as well as the victim’s cousin, Napinder Singh. Others involved in the crime include Parvez Masih, Happy Masih, Rajinder Singh, and Rimi. Two other unknown individuals are also mentioned in the case.

This incident marks the third such occurrence in Punjab, where Christian pastors have been implicated in heinous crimes. Earlier cases saw Mohali-based Bajinder Singh sentenced for rape, and Gurdaspur’s Jashan Gill arrested on similar charges.

The police have invoked Sections 70, 127(4), and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) to proceed with the legal action. As of now, the police are actively investigating the case.

Police Investigation and Action

SSP Suhail Qasim Mir confirmed the registration of the FIR and said, “We are conducting a thorough investigation into the matter. Multiple teams have been formed to ensure the swift apprehension of the accused individuals, and we hope to bring them to justice soon.”

Growing Concern Over Crimes Involving Religious Leaders

This case has raised concerns over the involvement of religious leaders in criminal activities, with the public and media calling for strict action against the perpetrators. The growing number of such incidents is prompting authorities to re-examine the oversight of religious organizations to prevent abuse of power by individuals in positions of trust.

The case in Dera Baba Nanak is another harrowing reminder of the urgent need for vigilance and accountability in religious institutions. The victim’s courageous escape and subsequent report to the police have sparked a wave of public outrage, with many calling for harsher penalties for those who abuse their positions of power. As the investigation continues, the people of Punjab and beyond await justice for the victim and a resolution to the broader issue of religious exploitation.