CALGARYCANADA: In a case that rocked the Canadian Sikh community high ranking priest in the Brahm Bungha Spiritual Association convicted of sexual assault and sentenced to4 1/2years in prison by Justice Bonnie Ravlins   of the Count of the Queen’s Bench in Calgary Canada on Wed. Feb.6

Balraj Singh Sidhu39is the 2nd ranking leader in the Brahm Bungha Spiritual Association a reportedly 10,000 member cult like offshoot of the Sikh religion Sidhu had followers throughout North America,

“The case hinged on the testimony of two young women18 and 20 who claimed that they had been? Repeatedly assaulted over a 5-year period beginning in 1985 and ending in 1990The two stated that Sidhu had convinced them that sex with him was “predestined” and “ok,” even though their faith condemned premarital sex. The story came to light when a church committee convinced one woman to come forward and speak to the police

The defence lawyer Simon Lord tried to debunk the story saying her parents wanted to ruin Sidhu. The girl replied “I would not jeopardize my own life style for revenge. I am telling the truth.” The other woman also told of lying to her new husband about her virginity because she was so ashamed and embarrassed about the ordeal The defense also tried to make a case based on the testimony of Sidhus wife who claimed that their relationship had been celibate since 1984. Sidhu also said that he no longer had sexual urges thoughts or dreams because he “Lived on the plan of the soul.”

The defense further claimed that members of the executive committee of the church (Gurdwara) were engaged in a power struggle months before the charges came to light. They were responsible for convincing the two young women to come forward in a play for power in the organization. But Gurbachan Samra we assurer told the court he was convinced that the girls were telling the truth and that he and other members of the church committee left the discussion to go the police to the girls and their parents.

Crown prosecutor Larry Steinrade a strong case with the interviewer so   former members who admitted that they tried to cover up the scandal because they feared being cursed by their guru in India. Former member Harry Sekhon said that all but three families protected Sidhu based on the fear of reprisal from Jaswant Singh Their high priest in India. Sekhon who donated land for the local temple said that the allegations were made known to members in Dec.1989 and shattered his faith him not to return because he (Sidhu) would be arrested. Sekhon said he called because he did not believe in the justice system here and thought matters could best be solved through the religious organization.

He finally acknowledged that he distrusted Sidhu since coming forward in 1987 to church (Gurdwara) executives with complaints that Sidhu had been caught “red handed” in a embrace with a woman who was not his wife At the meeting he said Sidhu “kept on weeping like a boy prove his innocence.

He said his faith was tested further when word came from the Babu ji in India to *hush things up. When it became clear that the high priest in India wasn’t concerned about the two girls Sekhon decided that he too wanted Sidhu prosecuted.

The defense failed to make a strong case for the power play” plot when it was further revealed that Sidhu attempted to flea to India to avoid the rape charges. Sidhu testified that he was only attempting to seek guidance from his spiritual guru when he was denied a visa to India Jan.7,1991 just one day after learning that he was wanted by Calgary police,

He also denied there was a cover up attempt to protect fund raising offers for a temple being built in India. He did acknowledge a letter from Jaswant Singh the 90 year old guru that was sent to followers in California after his arrest was made public.

In the letter the Babu ji calls the charges “shocking and agonizing news” and asks for “help in hushing up the unfortunate affairs We almost forgive and forget.”

Note the W.S.0. And Sikh Youth Federation wish to make it known that tis person is not now nor was he ever a true Sikh or Singh priest True Sikhs everywhere denounce his actions as reprehensible and claim no association with him or his actions.

Article extracted from this publication >> March 6, 1992