Tied to tree, set on fire: Punjabi influencer dies two months after assault

Mangalore Today News Network

Chandigarh, Aug 29, 2026: Punjabi social media influencer Manjit Kaur, 28, died at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh on August 26, nearly two months after she was allegedly kidnapped, assaulted and set on fire.

According to police, Kaur succumbed to her injuries while undergoing treatment at the government hospital. Her mother had alleged that Kaur was kidnapped by two acquaintances, identified as Shubhi and Pinda, on July 3 after they called her near a liquor shop in Sector 34, Chandigarh.

The complaint stated that the accused allegedly took her to Morinda in Punjab, where she was assaulted, tied to a tree and set on fire.

Kaur’s friend reportedly reached the spot, extinguished the flames using a blanket and rushed her to a hospital in Morinda. She was subsequently shifted to a private hospital in Mohali before being admitted to PGIMER in Chandigarh.

Kaur’s mother alleged that her daughter regained consciousness on August 5 and that she had informed Kharar police in Mohali to record her statement. However, she claimed that police did not arrive. Police have denied the allegation, stating that they extended full cooperation to the family.

A case has been registered under Sections 103(1) (murder) and 140(1) (kidnapping), among other provisions, of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Chandigarh Deputy Superintendent of Police (South) Gurjeet Kaur said the investigation was underway and efforts were being made to trace the accused.

Police are examining CCTV footage and other evidence to identify those responsible and establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged kidnapping. The motive behind the attack is yet to be ascertained.

Kaur had around 1.46 lakh followers on Instagram and regularly posted videos featuring Punjabi and Haryanvi songs.