Pastor, 12 others booked in rape case

Pastor Manjit Singh and 12 other persons have been booked on rape and kidnapping charges at the Dera Baba Nanak police station following a complaint filed by a 22-year-old girl. She alleged she was beaten up and forced to convert by the accused pastor.

Apart from Manjit Singh, the other accused include his father Sawar Masih, sisters Kajal, Rina and Jina, victim’s cousin Napinder Singh, Parvez Masih, Happy Masih, Rajinder Singh and Rimi. Two unidentified persons have also been booked.

The complainant said, “Sawar Masih procured my ID from my cousin Napinder Singh and started following me on social media platforms. On January 19, Sawar and his family members kidnapped me from my house and threatened with sharp-edged weapons. Later, they took me to an unknown place where I was kept for three months and raped repeatedly. Pastor Manjit Singh also came there and said from now on, I was a Christian. I managed to escape on April 13 after Sawar and his family forgot to lock me inside before going out.”

SSP Suhail Qasim Mir said, “We are investigating the case. I have formed teams and we hope to nab all accused soon.”

This is the third incident involving Christian pastors. Earlier, Mohali-based Bajinder Singh was sentenced for rape, while Gurdaspur-based Jashan Gill was taken into custody on similar charges.