Manjeet Kaur, Punjabi influencer, dies after alleged abduction and immolation

Manjeet Kaur, a 28-year-old Punjabi social media influencer with approximately 146,000 Instagram followers, died on August 26 at PGIMER in Chandigarh following severe burn injuries. Her death comes nearly two months after she was allegedly abducted and attacked.

According to a complaint filed by her mother, Kanta Devi, Kaur was lured to a meeting near a liquor shop in Sector 34, Chandigarh, on the night of July 3 by two acquaintances identified as Shubhi and Pinda. The suspects allegedly forced her into a vehicle and drove her to a forested area near Morinda in Punjab. There, she was reportedly assaulted, tied to a mulberry tree, and set on fire. An acquaintance discovered the scene and used a blanket to extinguish the flames before seeking medical help.

Kaur underwent extensive treatment at hospitals in Morinda, Mohali, and Chandigarh. Although she briefly regained consciousness on August 5 and reportedly recounted the ordeal to her family, her condition deteriorated.

Chandigarh Police have registered a case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for kidnapping, murder, and joint criminal liability. Investigators are currently reviewing CCTV footage and conducting raids to locate the suspects. The victim's family has raised concerns regarding whether police recorded her statement promptly after she regained consciousness, though authorities have denied allegations of negligence.