Social Media Influencer Kanchan Kumari Murdered in Bathinda; Two Held, Mastermind on the Run.
In a chilling case of vigilante violence, two men have been arrested in Punjab’s Bathinda for the murder of social media influencer Kanchan Kumari, also known as Kamal Kaur. Her body was discovered inside a parked car on a college campus on June 11, two days after she was reported missing.
Bathinda SSP Amneet Kondal identified the arrested suspects as Jaspreet Manro and Nimratjeet Singh. The alleged mastermind, Amritpal Manro, is currently absconding.
‘Moral Policing’ Behind the Murder
According to police, the accused were angered by the content Kanchan shared on her Instagram account, where she had over 3.8 lakh followers. They accused her of posting “vulgar” videos that, in their view, were corrupting the minds of young people.
“They had been warning her to stop. When she didn’t, they lured her to Bathinda under the pretext of a promotional shoot and murdered her,” said SSP Kondal.
Kanchan had travelled to Bathinda on June 9 after receiving an invitation from Amritpal for a collaboration. Her body was identified by her mother.
Suspected Link to Canada-Based Terrorist
Police are also investigating whether Kanchan’s murder is linked to threats she had previously received from Arsh Dalla, a Canada-based designated terrorist. In October 2023, Dalla allegedly warned her to stop uploading “inappropriate” content. While the connection is not yet confirmed, authorities say all angles are being explored.
Who is Amritpal Manro?
Amritpal Manro, 30, hails from Mehron village in Punjab’s Moga district. He contested the 2022 Punjab Assembly elections from Dharmkot on a Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) ticket and has a history of controversy.
A self-proclaimed Nihang, Amritpal has no official affiliation with any religious group. In 2022, a case was filed against him for allegedly threatening Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring.
Describing himself as a social media activist, Amritpal has frequently made headlines for his confrontational posts and fringe activism.
Investigation Ongoing
Police say more arrests are likely and have intensified efforts to trace Amritpal’s whereabouts. Digital forensics and call records are being analyzed to understand the full scope of the conspiracy and any possible external involvement.
Authorities have reiterated that no act of “moral policing” will be tolerated and promised strict action against those who take the law into their own hands.
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