Assaulted, Tied To Tree, Burned: Punjab Influencer Dies After 2-Month Battle - NDTV

**Punjab Influencer Manjeet Kaur Dies After Two‑Month Fight for Life Following Brutal Attack**

Chandigarh police confirmed that 28‑year‑old social‑media influencer Manjeet Kaur, who was seven weeks pregnant, succumbed to injuries on 30 August 2026 after a prolonged battle in a private hospital. The tragedy stems from an abduction on 5 July 2026, when Kaur was allegedly lured by acquaintances, forcefully taken to a secluded spot on the outskirts of Chandigarh, tied to a tree and set ablaze. Neighbouring residents heard her cries and alerted authorities, who arrived to find her severely burned over 60 % of her body. She was rushed to the Post‑Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), where she remained on intensive care for 57 days before her death.

The police investigation, led by the Chandigarh Police Crime Branch, has identified three suspects—two male friends and a male relative of Kaur—who are currently evading arrest. According to statements released by the department, the accused fled the scene after the assault and have been declared absconders; a “look‑out notice” has been issued and a nationwide chase is underway. The case has drawn criticism for an alleged delay in filing the First Information Report (FIR), as Kaur’s family reportedly lodged the complaint only after she was admitted to the hospital. Forensic reports confirm that the injuries were consistent with a deliberate act of arson, and the Punjab Forensic Science Laboratory is processing evidence that could link the suspects to the crime.

Kaur’s death has reignited public debate over the safety of women in Punjab and the efficacy of law‑enforcement response to gender‑based violence. Human‑rights groups and the Punjab Women’s Commission have demanded a fast‑track investigation and strict punitive measures, while opposition politicians have called for a review of the state’s “women‑safety” policies. The Chandigarh Police have pledged to “bring the perpetrators to justice” and have appealed to the public for information that may lead to their capture. A court hearing on the FIR is scheduled for early September, and the case is expected to be cited in forthcoming discussions on legislative reforms aimed at curbing honor‑based crimes and improving victim‑support mechanisms.