In a disturbing development from Tamil Nadu, Pastor John Jebaraj of Kings Generation Church in Coimbatore has been arrested for the alleged sexual assault of two minor girls. The 37-year-old pastor, known for his presence on social media — particularly for his Christian devotional music with nearly 2 lakh Instagram followers — was apprehended on Saturday evening in Munnar, Kerala, by the Coimbatore City Police, after evading arrest for several months.
The Case
The incident dates back to May 2023, when the pastor allegedly assaulted the girls during a party at his home in Coimbatore. The case came to light after one of the survivors recently confided in a family member, prompting them to file a formal complaint at the Central All Women Police Station, Coimbatore.
Jebaraj has been booked under the POCSO Act:
- Section 9(l) and 9(m) – aggravated sexual assault
- Section 10 – punishment for aggravated sexual assault
Police officials have confirmed that further investigations are underway, including inquiries into whether other minors may have been harmed.
Second Major Case Involving a Pastor
This arrest follows another major case earlier this month involving self-styled pastor Bajinder Singh, who was convicted by a Mohali court for rape and sexual harassment in a 2018 case.
The court delivered a strong verdict, rejecting Singh’s plea for leniency, and noted:
“A religious leader holds a sacred responsibility and cannot betray the faith of devotees.”
Singh, known for his controversial claims of “miracle healing” and running mega congregations, heads the Church of Glory and Wisdom in Jalandhar and Mohali, with claimed branches abroad. He became a preacher in 2012.
Growing Scrutiny on Religious Figures
These back-to-back cases have cast a spotlight on the accountability of self-proclaimed religious leaders, especially those with large online followings and direct access to young and vulnerable individuals. Activists and legal experts are calling for stricter background checks and oversight in faith-based organizations, particularly those involved in youth outreach.
As the investigations continue, more survivors are being encouraged to come forward, and there is renewed pressure on authorities to crack down on abuse hiding behind spiritual authority.
