Another Punjab Pastor Faces Accusations of Rape, Abortion, and Police Bribery

Recent scrutiny of the Punjab Police's handling of sensitive cases has intensified following disturbing allegations against Jashan Gill, a self-styled pastor in Gurdaspur. This incident, involving accusations of rape, forced abortion, and alleged police bribery, has ignited calls for a thorough and impartial investigation.

Allegations Against Pastor Jashan Gill Emerge in Gurdaspur

The Punjab Police, already facing criticism in connection with the Colonel Pushpinder Singh Bath and Sukhbir Badal attack cases, is now under further scrutiny following accusations against Jashan Gill, a self-styled pastor in Gurdaspur.

Father Accuses Pastor in Daughter's Tragic Death

The father of a deceased 22-year-old woman has come forward with serious allegations against Pastor Jashan Gill. He claims that the pastor allegedly raped his daughter, leading to pregnancy, and subsequently forced her to undergo an unsafe abortion. The father alleges that the complications arising from this abortion resulted in his daughter's death.

Demand for CBI Inquiry Amidst Bribery Allegations

Seeking justice for his daughter, the grieving father is demanding a thorough investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the entire incident. He alleges that despite filing a complaint, no action was taken against Pastor Jashan Gill because the pastor allegedly bribed the local police.

Details of the Alleged Exploitation

According to the father, his daughter, who was a BCA student at the time, was "misled" by Pastor Jashan. He stated that their family used to attend a church in Abul Khair village, Gurdaspur district, where the alleged exploitation took place. "Pastor Jashan misled my daughter and raped her repeatedly," the father told ANI. "My daughter was 22 then and a BCA student. He impregnated her and later forced her to undergo an abortion by a nurse in Khokhar village."

Alleged Medical Negligence and Daughter's Demise

The father further accused the nurse who performed the abortion of medical negligence. "The abortion was performed carelessly, following which my daughter developed complications... She complained of stomach pain and had to be admitted to hospital... After an ultrasound, we came to know that my daughter had undergone an abortion. She was later shifted to an Amritsar hospital where she died during treatment," he recounted.

Accusation of Police Inaction and Pastor's Freedom

The father expressed his dismay at the lack of action taken by the police. "The police have not arrested him despite the incident happening in 2023," he stated.

Fear for Safety and Legal Recourse

The woman’s father also alleged that he has received multiple threats, leading him to fear for his personal safety and prompting him to leave his village. In his pursuit of justice, he has approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court, formally demanding a CBI inquiry into the case. "Due to life threats, I had to leave my village. I want justice for my daughter. The Punjab Police did nothing. I demand a CBI inquiry. I have also approached the high court," he asserted.

Parallels to Previous Case: Another Pastor Sentenced

This case comes shortly after a Mohali court sentenced another self-styled pastor, Bajinder Singh, to life imprisonment in a 2018 sexual harassment case. The Punjab Police had registered an FIR against Bajinder following a woman's complaint detailing alleged assault after a prayer session. The survivor claimed that she and others were mistreated and physically assaulted during the incident.