Punjab Influencer Kamal Kaur Bhabhi Murdered: Bold Instagram Posts Trigger Moral Policing Crime in Bathinda
Bathinda, Punjab — June 14, 2025: In a chilling incident that has shocked the social media community and reignited debates around moral policing, 25-year-old Instagram influencer Kanchan Devi — popularly known online as Kamal Kaur Bhabhi — was brutally murdered in Bathinda, Punjab, allegedly over her bold online persona. Punjab Police confirmed that the killing was premeditated and carried out by individuals with strong objections to her social media content, which they deemed as “spoiling society”.
Bold Content Turns Fatal
Kamal Kaur Bhabhi had amassed a significant following on Instagram for her confident and daring videos. However, what brought her fame ultimately became the alleged motive behind her death. According to Bathinda SSP Amneet Kondal, the main conspirator, a self-proclaimed Nihang named Amritpal Singh Mehro, was outraged by Kamal’s posts. He reportedly felt her bold content was immoral and a corrupting influence on society.
Police revealed that Mehro had threatened Kanchan in the past. Under the pretext of shooting a car-themed promotional video, he tricked her and her family into agreeing to a meet-up in Bathinda.
The Murder Plot Unfolds
On June 9, Mehro dispatched two associates — Jaspreet Singh and Nimratjit Singh — to Ludhiana in a Scorpio SUV to pick up Kanchan Devi. She followed separately in her own Hyundai Eon. Upon reaching Bathinda, the group stopped at a car workshop near Adesh Medical University, citing a need for vehicle repairs.
There, the situation took a dark turn. The duo allegedly confronted Kanchan and demanded she stop uploading what they termed “vulgar” content. They also insisted she drop the name “Kaur” — a respected Sikh surname — from her social media handle.
What followed was cold-blooded execution. Jaspreet Singh reportedly strangled her using a cloth while she sat inside her car. Her lifeless body was placed in the back seat, and the car was abandoned near the university. Locals later noticed the stationary vehicle and alerted authorities.
Police Action and Arrests
Swift police investigation led to the arrest of Jaspreet Singh and Nimratjit Singh. SSP Kondal confirmed that both have confessed to their roles in the crime. The prime conspirator, Amritpal Singh Mehro, is currently absconding, and efforts are underway for his capture.
Authorities have registered a murder case under IPC Sections 302 (murder), 120-B (criminal conspiracy), and other relevant charges.
Public Outrage and Societal Backlash
The murder has triggered widespread outrage on social media platforms, especially among influencers and digital creators. Hashtags like #JusticeForKamalKaurBhabhi and #StopMoralPolicing are trending as users express horror at the violence meted out for creative expression.
Feminist activists and civil society groups have condemned the killing as a brutal form of moral vigilantism. Many have pointed out the growing threat faced by women who challenge conservative norms on digital platforms.
Moral Policing in the Digital Age
This murder underscores the risks faced by social media influencers, especially women, who navigate spaces rife with judgment, harassment, and now — fatal consequences. Experts have called for a wider debate on freedom of expression, digital safety, and the role of extremist ideologies in inciting violence.