Punjabi Influencer Kanchan Kumari Strangled to Death; Police Say No Evidence of Sexual Assault Yet

In a disturbing case that has sparked outrage and fear across India, Punjabi influencer Kanchan Kumari, popularly known online as Kamal Kaur “Bhabhi,” was found murdered in Bathinda, Punjab. The case, involving elements of alleged moral policing and religious extremism, has not only shaken the influencer community but also raised serious concerns about the growing trend of vigilantism targeting digital content creators.

Kanchan Kumari’s body was discovered on the night of June 11 in a parked car near Adesh Medical University. She had gone missing the day before, and her family had filed a police complaint. Preliminary investigations and an autopsy confirmed that she died due to asphyxia caused by strangulation. The police reported that a traditional Nihang cloth belt, called a "kamar kass," was used to kill her. Importantly, police clarified that there is currently no evidence of sexual assault, although they are awaiting the viscera report to rule out other possibilities.

According to Punjab Police, the murder was allegedly carried out by members of the Nihang Sikh sect. Two suspects, Jaspreet Singh and Nimratjit Singh, have been arrested. The prime accused, Amritpal Singh Mehron, a self-styled Nihang leader, is believed to be the mastermind. He reportedly lured Kanchan under the pretext of promoting a car and, after a confrontation regarding her social media content, orchestrated her murder.

Amritpal Singh reportedly left India just seven hours after the crime and fled to the United Arab Emirates. Punjab Police have issued a lookout circular and are working with central agencies to pursue his extradition. In a chilling video that has since gone viral, Amritpal Singh claimed responsibility for the murder and warned other influencers to stop posting what he called “obscene” content. He said that parking lots “are not just in Bathinda,” clearly threatening other women who post similar content online.

Among those who received threats is influencer Deepika Luthra, who has since sought police protection. Another woman, who posts astrology-related content, also reported receiving threats from the same group, underlining a broader pattern of intimidation.

The motive behind the murder appears to be driven by a distorted sense of moral justice. The accused allegedly believed Kanchan’s content was against religious values and therefore needed to be punished. This act of extreme moral policing has drawn sharp criticism from civil society, celebrities, and sections of the Sikh community. However, some religious figures controversially supported the act, arguing that those who insult religious sentiments must face consequences.

This incident has ignited a fierce debate over freedom of expression, women's safety, and religious extremism in India. Influencers across the country have called for stronger protections and quicker legal responses to threats. The police continue to investigate, and digital forensics teams are analyzing the suspects’ devices and online activities for further evidence.

Kanchan Kumari’s tragic death serves as a grim reminder of the dangers faced by women online and the urgent need to address rising cases of ideological violence in the digital age.