Punjabi social media influencer Manjeet Kaur, died on Wednesday, 26th August, at PGIMER, nearly two months after she was abducted from Chandigarh and set on fire near Morinda, and had built a sizeable following online. She had around 1.46 lakh followers on Instagram, where she regularly shared reels, lifestyle content and promotional videos.
Kaur also had a YouTube channel with around 3,930 subscribers, where she posted family vlogs. Her Instagram account largely featured short videos, cosmetic product promotions and reels using popular Punjabi and Haryanvi songs. Her online presence had made her a familiar face among her followers.
What happened to Manjeet Kaur?
According to a complaint filed by her mother, Kanta Devi, Manjeet was called to Sector 34 in Chandigarh by two acquaintances, identified as Shubhi and Pinda, during the intervening night of the 3rd and 4th July.
The two assaulted her before forcing her into a vehicle and taking her to a forested area near Morinda. Police said the accused tied Manjeet to a tree and set her on fire before escaping. Another acquaintance reached the spot later and managed to put out the flames using a blanket.
Punjabi social media influencer Manjeet Kaur died at PGIMER nearly two months after she was allegedly abducted from Chandigarh, taken to a forested area near Morinda, tied to a tree and set on fire.Kaur died on August 26 while undergoing treatment for severe burn injuries.… pic.twitter.com/BIq3COylfc
— The Times Of India (@timesofindia) August 29, 2026
Manjeet suffered severe burn injuries. She was initially taken to a hospital in Morinda and was later shifted to Max Hospital in Mohali before being admitted to PGIMER in Chandigarh.
Instagram post addressed rumours about Manjeet
Amid the investigation, several claims and rumours about Manjeet’s personal life also began circulating on social media. A post shared from her Instagram profile on 28th July urged people not to spread unverified information and said the family was under severe stress because of the rumours and the condition of the influencer.
The post specifically addressed claims that Manjeet was pregnant and allegations that her boyfriend, Rinku Gill, was responsible for the attack. It said, “Nowadays, the case of Manjeet Kaur is being widely discussed. Many kinds of talk and rumours are circulating on social media. I humbly request all of you with folded hands that until the complete truth comes out, please do not spread false statements or rumours about anyone.”
The post also defended Rinku Gill, saying, “If someone wanted to harm another person, would they try to save them?” It claimed that Manjeet’s hospital treatment expenses were being paid by Gill and urged people not to accuse him without knowing the full facts.
Addressing the pregnancy rumours, the post said, “Nowadays, some are claiming she was pregnant: I want to ask those people, did you get her ultrasound done?” It further criticised people for making assumptions about Manjeet’s life without personally knowing her.
Questions over police response
The case has also raised questions about the delay in recording Manjeet’s statement. Sources said she regained consciousness during her treatment at PGIMER and wanted to speak to the police.
The PGIMER police post informed Kharar Sadar police that Manjeet was conscious and in a condition to give her statement. However, sources said that the investigating officer did not reach the hospital. A daily diary report was also reportedly recorded at the PGI police post about the communication.
After Manjeet’s death, her mother approached Chandigarh Police. Her statement was recorded at the Sector 34 police station, following which an FIR for abduction and murder was registered.
Punjab Police have denied allegations of negligence. Police said the abduction took place in Chandigarh and therefore the necessary action had to be taken by Chandigarh Police. They also said Kharar police had assisted Manjeet’s mother and helped her register the FIR.
Chandigarh Police are now examining CCTV footage and other evidence to reconstruct what happened and identify the vehicle used to take Manjeet from Chandigarh to Morinda.
