The Moga court on Tuesday convicted Baba Balwinder Singh, head of Gurdwara Charan Ghat on the Akhara Canal in Jagraon, in a high-profile sexual assault case. Singh was sentenced to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment for raping a woman in a hotel in Moga around a year and a half ago. The court described the crime as a serious offence committed under the guise of religion, citing the prosecution’s evidence and the victim’s testimony. The accused was already in Ludhiana Jail at the time of sentencing.
Allegations, Viral Videos Spark Case
Allegations against Singh first came to light in September 2024, when activist Amritpal Singh Mehron accused him of sexually harassing women at the gurdwara. Several videos linked to these claims went viral, prompting the Jagraon police to register a case at the city police station. The Moga-specific case was filed at Mahna Police Station, where the victim alleged Singh had lured her to a hotel room and assaulted her.
The court’s verdict has been widely hailed as a strong signal that crimes committed in the name of religion will face the full force of the law. Legal experts noted that this case sets a precedent for holding religious leaders accountable. Following the judgment, human rights activists praised the judiciary for ensuring justice for the victim and underscoring that no individual, regardless of position or influence, is above the law.