CHANDIGARH: Punjabi social media influencer Manjeet Kaur, who died at PGIMER nearly two months after she was allegedly abducted from Chandigarh and set on fire near Morinda, had built a following of more than 1.4 lakh on Instagram, where she regularly shared reels and promotional content.Kaur had around 146,000 followers on Instagram, with her posts including reels promoting cosmetic products as well as videos featuring popular Punjabi and Haryanvi songs.She also had a YouTube channel with around 3,930 subscribers, where she posted family vlogs.Her social media presence centred largely on short-form videos and lifestyle-oriented content.
What happened?
According to a complaint by her mother, Kanta Devi, Kaur was allegedly called to Sector 34 in Chandigarh by two acquaintances, Shubhi and Pinda, on the intervening night of July 3 and 4.They allegedly assaulted her, forced her into a vehicle and took her to a forested area near Morinda.Police said the two allegedly tied Kaur to a tree and set her on fire before fleeing. Another acquaintance later reached the spot and reportedly extinguished the flames using a blanket.Kaur suffered severe burn injuries and was first treated at a hospital in Morinda before being shifted to Max Hospital in Mohali and later to PGIMER in Chandigarh.She died at PGIMER on August 26 while undergoing treatment.
Police response under scanner
The case has also raised questions over the alleged delay in recording Kaur’s statement.Sources said Kaur regained consciousness during her treatment at PGIMER and wanted to give her statement.The PGIMER police post reportedly informed Kharar Sadar police that she was conscious and in a condition to give her statement, but the investigating officer allegedly did not reach the hospital.A daily diary report was also recorded at the PGI police post regarding the communication, sources said.After Kaur’s death, her mother approached Chandigarh Police. Her statement was recorded at the Sector 34 police station and an FIR for abduction and murder was registered.Punjab Police have denied allegations of negligence, saying the alleged abduction took place in Chandigarh and that action was therefore to be taken by Chandigarh Police.Police also said Kharar police provided assistance to Kaur’s mother and facilitated registration of the FIR.Chandigarh Police are now examining CCTV footage and other evidence to reconstruct the sequence of events and trace the vehicle allegedly used to take Kaur from Chandigarh to Morinda.
