Photo Credit: Free Press Journal
In a sensational twist in the Punjab influencer Kanchan Kumari murder case, police have confirmed that the prime accused, Amritpal Singh Mehron, fled to the UAE just hours after committing the crime, triggering international coordination and public outrage.
Hours After Murder, A Flight to Freedom
The 22-year-old social media influencer, known by her online alias Kamal Kaur Bhabhi, was found dead in her car near a Bathinda university in the early hours of June 10. Within seven hours of her murder, Amritpal Singh Mehron—allegedly the mastermind—was on a flight out of Amritsar to Dubai. This calculated escape has alarmed both law enforcement and citizens, revealing the loopholes in immigration vigilance that allow key accused individuals to flee the country even before lookout notices are issued.
A Pre-Meditated Crime, A Radical Message
According to Punjab Police, Mehron had been following Kanchan Kumari’s online activity for months and was reportedly disturbed by what he termed “obscene content.” He posed as a sponsor offering her a car promotion, luring her to Bathinda where she was murdered with chilling precision. Investigators revealed that Mehron and his associates strangled her using a belt, forced her to unlock her phone, and later returned to remove the murder weapon to erase evidence.
The brutality of the crime was compounded by a disturbing confession video released by Mehron before his escape, in which he took responsibility and threatened other female influencers across Punjab. He warned that “parking lots are not just in Bathinda,” indicating premeditated plans to target more content creators.
Influencer Community in Shock
Kanchan’s death has sent shockwaves through the influencer community. With over 500,000 followers on Instagram and a strong regional presence, she was considered a rising digital personality. Her murder has left fellow content creators shaken, with some now seeking police protection after receiving threats from radical elements.
The incident has also reignited debate around the rising intolerance towards women in digital spaces and the growing threat of moral policing from self-styled vigilante groups like ‘Kaum De Rakhe’—a radical outfit with which Mehron is allegedly associated.
International Manhunt Begins
The Punjab Police have initiated formal extradition proceedings and issued a red corner notice through Interpol. The state DGP’s office is working closely with the Ministry of External Affairs to locate and deport Mehron from the UAE. Meanwhile, two of his accomplices—Jaspreet Singh and Nimratjit Singh—are already in custody, and others have been identified.
A senior police official confirmed that Mehron had booked his ticket to Dubai well in advance, suggesting the crime was carefully planned and executed. CCTV footage shows him leaving the murder spot calmly before catching the flight to evade Indian law.
Pattern of Vigilantism Raises Alarms
This is not the first time that such radical vigilantism has rocked Punjab. Similar concerns were raised during the Sidhu Moosewala killing and other high-profile crimes where perpetrators fled abroad. What makes this case particularly disturbing is the moral justification used by the accused and the ease with which he weaponized social media for hate and fear.
Cybercrime experts have pointed out that such acts are a grim reminder of how social media influence can attract extremist backlash, especially in regions witnessing rising ideological polarization.
Public Demands Action and Reform
The public reaction has been one of outrage and sorrow. Hashtags like #JusticeForKanchan and #StopMoralPolicing have trended on social platforms. Activists and legal experts are demanding swift extradition of the accused, stronger monitoring at airports for suspects in violent crimes, and better safety mechanisms for online influencers.
Authorities are also being urged to initiate a crackdown on hate speech and vigilante propaganda proliferating on social media platforms before it escalates into physical violence.
