Breaking: Punjabi Social Media Influencer Manjeet Kaur dies nearly two months after being abducted, set on fire
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, August 29, 2026: Punjabi social media influencer Manjeet Kaur, 28, died at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, on August 26, nearly two months after she was allegedly abducted from Chandigarh, assaulted and set on fire in a forested area near Morinda.
Following a complaint by her mother, Kanta Devi, the Chandigarh Police have registered a case of kidnapping and murder against two persons identified as Shubhi and Pinda. Police teams have launched an investigation and are conducting raids to trace the accused.
According to the complaint filed by Kanta Devi, Manjeet was allegedly called to Sector 34 in Chandigarh by Shubhi and Pinda on the intervening night of July 3 and 4. The two allegedly forced her into a vehicle after assaulting her and took her to a forested area near Morinda in Punjab.
The complaint alleges that the accused tied Manjeet to a tree, assaulted her and set her on fire before fleeing the spot. Another acquaintance reportedly found her engulfed in flames and managed to extinguish the fire using a blanket.
Manjeet was initially taken to a hospital in Morinda and was subsequently treated at a hospital in Mohali. Due to the severity of her burn injuries, she was shifted to PGIMER, Chandigarh, on July 9, where she remained under treatment until her death on August 26.
The case has also raised questions over whether Manjeet’s statement was recorded while she was undergoing treatment.
According to media reports, Manjeet regained consciousness during her treatment at PGIMER and reportedly expressed a desire to give her statement. Sources cited by the reports said the PGIMER police post informed Kharar Sadar Police that she was conscious and in a condition to give a statement. However, her statement was allegedly not recorded at the time.
Punjab Police have denied allegations of negligence, maintaining that the alleged abduction took place within Chandigarh’s jurisdiction and that the Chandigarh Police were responsible for registering the case. Punjab Police have said that Kharar police assisted the victim’s family in facilitating registration of the FIR.
Chandigarh Police are now expected to verify whether the victim or her family had previously approached Punjab Police regarding the alleged abduction and attack, and, if so, what action was taken.
Police Probe Underway
The Chandigarh Police are examining CCTV footage from Sector 34 and adjoining areas and are expected to check toll-plaza camera footage to trace the vehicle allegedly used to transport Manjeet from Chandigarh to Morinda.
Investigators are also looking into the circumstances surrounding the alleged attack, the motive behind it and whether anyone else was involved. Police are questioning family members and acquaintances and conducting raids to locate the two named suspects.
The case has drawn widespread attention because of the brutal nature of the alleged attack as well as questions surrounding the police response during the period when Manjeet was receiving treatment.
Manjeet Kaur, who hailed from Kharar and lived in Sunny Enclave, had built a substantial social media following, with around 1.46 lakh followers on Instagram and nearly 4,000 YouTube subscribers. She regularly posted reels, lifestyle content and promotional videos. She is survived by her seven-year-old son.
The allegations against the two accused are yet to be established in court, and the investigation is underway.