In a chilling case of premeditated murder, popular social media influencer Kanchan, who had nearly 4 lakh Instagram followers, was brutally strangled to death in Bathinda. Bathinda SSP Amneet Kondal confirmed that the murder was planned and executed by a group of individuals who believed her online content was “objectionable”.
The main conspirator, Amritpal Singh, had earlier warned Kanchan to stop posting what he termed as “vulgar” videos. According to SSP Kondal, “He, along with others, hatched a conspiracy and they strangled her to death at an isolated location on Tuesday night.”
Accused and Arrests
Two individuals — Jaspreet Singh (32) from Mehron village in Moga and Nimaratjeet Singh (21) from Harike in Tarn Taran — were arrested around 1 am on Thursday. Both were unemployed and often seen wearing ‘nihang’ attire to possibly disguise themselves. However, Amritpal Singh, the key accused, remains absconding.
Investigations also revealed that Kanchan had previously received threats from Canada-based terrorist Arsh Dalla, warning her against uploading “inappropriate” videos.
Timeline of Events
On June 7, Amritpal had visited Kanchan at her residence in Ludhiana, seeking help for promotional work in Bathinda. The following day, he convinced her to visit Bathinda. On June 9, he contacted her again, and she agreed to travel. After 11 pm that night, Kanchan’s mother, Girija Devi, lost all contact with her daughter.
Kanchan’s decomposed body was found two days later inside her car, which was parked outside Adesh University. CCTV footage helped police trace the accused. Investigators found that Kanchan was lured to a workshop under the pretext of getting her car repaired. During an argument there, Jaspreet, who had concealed a ‘kamarkassa’ (waistband) under his shirt, used it to strangle her.
To mislead police, the body was later shifted and dumped in her own car.
Cremation and Background
Due to the condition of the body, Kanchan was cremated in Bathinda on Thursday, as her family was unable to transport the remains back to Ludhiana. Her mother revealed that Kanchan, from a family of migrant workers, frequently traveled for promotional work and was fluent in Punjabi.
Police have launched a manhunt for Amritpal Singh and are investigating possible links to extremist outfits, including overseas threats.
This gruesome murder has sparked outrage online, highlighting the rising risks faced by female influencers and the need for better digital and physical safety protocols.
