Self-styled pastor Jashan Gill, who had been absconding for nearly two years after being accused of raping a 22-year-old woman, surrendered before a court in Punjab’s Gurdaspur district on Wednesday, police confirmed.
Gill, who operated a church in Abul Khair village, was booked in a rape case in 2023 and subsequently declared a proclaimed offender by the court after evading arrest for an extended period. His surrender came shortly after police arrested his brother from Jammu and later took his sister into custody for allegedly sheltering him during his time on the run.
Gurdaspur Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Aditya confirmed the surrender, stating that police had intensified efforts in recent months to track down Gill. The arrests of his family members appear to have played a key role in forcing him to turn himself in.
The case against Gill stems from a complaint lodged by the father of the 22-year-old victim. According to the father, Gill repeatedly raped his daughter, who was a Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) student, during visits to his church. The complaint also alleges that Gill forced the young woman to undergo an abortion, which tragically led to her death in 2023.
Also Read: Pastor Bajinder Singh sentenced to life in 2018 rape case
The victim’s family had been regular attendees at Gill’s church, and the father has previously accused the local police of failing to take timely action against the accused.
Gill’s surrender follows a high-profile conviction of another self-styled preacher, Bajinder Singh, who was sentenced to life imprisonment by a Mohali court on April 1 in a separate rape case from 2018 — highlighting a growing crackdown on alleged sexual offenders misusing religious influence.
Authorities are now expected to initiate formal proceedings against Gill, who remains in judicial custody following his court appearance.
Also Read: Punjab pastor Jashan Gill accused of rape, abortion, bribery
Follow us
