Bathinda, June 17 — The Bathinda police have issued a lookout circular for Ranjit Singh, a resident of Sohal village in Tarn Taran, identifying him as a key suspect in the murder of social media influencer Kanchan Rani, widely known online as Kamal Kaur Bhabhi. Authorities suspect Singh may attempt to escape abroad.
Ranjit is the second individual to be placed under such notice. Earlier, police flagged Amritpal Singh Mehron — alleged to be the mastermind — who has reportedly fled to the United Arab Emirates. “We are following the deportation process,” said Bathinda SSP Amneet Kondal, confirming that four of the five named suspects are associated with the Nihang sect. Two of Mehron’s alleged aides, Jaspreet Singh and Nimaratjeet Singh, have been arrested, while another unidentified suspect remains absconding.
Kanchan’s body was found in a decomposed state, complicating forensic analysis. However, the postmortem ruled out rape. “The report does not indicate sexual assault. Cause of death is strangulation. Due to decomposition, certain conclusions were difficult. We are awaiting the viscera report,” said SSP Kondal.
The victim’s mother, Girija Devi, dismissed allegations that Kanchan’s social media content was provocative. “My daughter never posted anything offensive. I used to see her videos. She had never mentioned receiving threats,” she told The Tribune, adding that cremation was conducted in Bathinda due to the condition of the body.
Condemnation has poured in from various quarters. Bollywood singer Mika Singh, in a video appeal, urged Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to act swiftly. “This is not just a crime — it’s a stain on our society. Sikhs have always stood for protecting women, not harming them,” Mika said.
Meanwhile, a sleazy video — allegedly featuring Kanchan — has surfaced online, with an unidentified male voice audible in the clip. Police have not commented on its authenticity.
In a related development, the Amritsar police arrested Ramandeep Singh of Patiala for allegedly issuing threats to another vlogger, Deepika Luthra. Senior officers have yet to issue a formal statement but are expected to brief the media soon.
