PTC Web Desk: Punjabi social media influencer Manjeet Kaur, 28, died at PGIMER Chandigarh on August 26, nearly two months after she was allegedly abducted, assaulted and set on fire in Morinda.

Following a complaint by Kaur's family, Chandigarh Police have registered a case of kidnapping and murder against two persons named in the complaint. Investigators are now working to establish what happened to the influencer and why she was allegedly targeted.

Manjeet Kaur, who was from Kharar, had built a significant following on social media, with around 1.46 lakh followers on Instagram and nearly 4,000 YouTube subscribers. Her online content included cosmetic product promotions, reels and videos featuring Punjabi and Haryanvi music.

She is survived by her seven-year-old son.

What happened to Manjeet Kaur?

According to the complaint filed by Kaur's mother, Kanta Devi, the incident allegedly took place on July 3. Devi told the police that two acquaintances, identified as Shubhi and Pinda, allegedly called Kaur to an area near a liquor shop in Sector 34, Chandigarh.

The complaint alleges that the two then took Kaur in a car to Morinda. There, she was allegedly assaulted, tied to a mulberry tree and set on fire.

A friend who reportedly reached the location found Kaur badly injured and on fire. The friend allegedly used a blanket to put out the flames.

She was initially taken to a hospital in Morinda before being shifted to Max Hospital in Mohali. She was later referred to PGIMER, Chandigarh, where she was admitted on July 9.

According to her family, Manjeet Kaur regained consciousness on August 5. They alleged that she wanted to speak to the police and record her statement, but claimed that no police officer reached the hospital at that time.

Kaur remained under treatment and died on August 26.

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Family raises questions over police response

Manjeet Kaur's mother has alleged that Kharar Sadar police failed to record her daughter's statement when she was conscious.

The family believes Kaur's account could have provided important information about the alleged attack and helped investigators identify those responsible. A daily diary entry was reportedly made at the PGI police post in connection with the matter.

However, Kharar DSP Ishan Singla rejected allegations that police had failed to assist the family.

Singla said the incident fell under Chandigarh Police jurisdiction and that Kharar Police had supported Kaur's mother by taking her to the relevant police station and helping facilitate the registration of the FIR.

Chandigarh Police register kidnapping and murder case

Chandigarh SSP Kanwardeep Kaur confirmed that the police had registered a case based on the complaint submitted by Kaur's mother.

The FIR was registered at Sector 34 police station under Sections 140(1) (kidnapping), 103(1) (murder) and 3(5) (joint criminal liability) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), according to SHO Inspector Shadi Lal.

DSP (South) Gurjeet Kaur said investigators had gathered clues about the suspects and teams were conducting raids to trace and arrest them.

The police are also examining CCTV footage and other evidence collected along the route between Sector 34 and Morinda. Investigators are questioning people known to Kaur to piece together the sequence of events and determine the possible motive.