Official Associated With Bible Society of India Arrested for Financial Corruption

Anglican Bishop P.C. Singh, who served as president of the Bible Society of India from 2019 to 2022, was arrested in September 2024 on charges of criminal breach of trust, cheating, forging documents, and criminal conspiracy. The allegations stem from his role in transferring government land given on lease to the Church of North India. Singh is accused of selling land that did not belong to him for 30 million rupees ($360,000) and retaining the proceeds. He was later arrested again for money laundering charges related to his position at the Church of North India. Singh was removed from leadership in the Church of North India in 2022.

Singh’s financial misconduct in other areas has raised concerns among those who have worked with the Bible Society of India (BSI). Rev. Chittranjan Polson, who served as auxiliary secretary for the Allahabad Auxiliary of the BSI, expressed unease about Singh’s former leadership role and whether he and his associate B.K. Patnaik may have been involved in covering up financial irregularities Polson discovered while examining the auxiliary’s finances. According to social media posts by the BSI, Singh was first elected as its president in 2019.

Polson brought these irregularities and concerns to the attention of the United Bible Societies (UBS) in July 2023. He reached out again in June 2024. In his communication, Polson emphasized that while UBS has no administrative authority over BSI, he implored the organization to investigate the concerns he had raised, given the affiliation between BSI and the UBS network. Polson claims his service at the BSI auxiliary was terminated after he raised his concerns about the alleged corruption.

UBS is a worldwide network of Bible Societies operating in over 240 countries and territories to ensure that everyone who wants to can access and engage with the Bible. The network includes the Bible Society of India. Many Bible translation projects within the UBS network are supported through the “International Support Programme” (ISP) grants. According to the most recent annual report from 2022, ISP grants totaled nearly $34.7 million U.S. dollars.

UBS stated that over the past five years, it has provided BSI with regular financial support for Bible translation efforts and other projects. While the amounts may vary each year based on specific needs and donor contributions, the BSI remains committed to its mission. The organization has not commented on the specific allegations against Singh or the concerns raised by Polson.

The case highlights the importance of accountability and transparency within religious organizations. As Micah 6:8 reminds us, justice, mercy, and humble service are central to the Christian life. These principles should guide the actions of those in leadership, ensuring that resources are used responsibly and that the vulnerable are protected.

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