A popular Punjabi social media influencer was found dead under suspicious circumstances in a parked car at a medical university in Bathinda, sparking a police investigation that includes a possible link to a Canada-based gangster.
The woman, identified as Kanchan Kumari, 27, also known online as Kamal Kaur or “Queen”, had built a large following on platforms such as Instagram, where she had over 383,000 followers.
Her body was discovered on Wednesday evening at Adesh Medical University in Bathinda, Punjab. Police say her death is being treated as a suspected murder.
The vehicle, a Hyundai Eon, was found in the hospital parking area after locals reported a foul odour emanating from it. Authorities say the number plate on the car was fake.
Upon inspection, police discovered Kumari’s body lying on the back seat. According to investigators, the murder may not have taken place at the university grounds. Initial evidence suggests she may have been killed elsewhere—possibly by strangulation—before the car was abandoned in the parking lot.
“She had left for Bathinda on 9 June to attend a promotional event and lost contact with her family soon afterwards,” Ludhiana Superintendent of Police Narendra Singh said.
“Her body was found the next day in a decomposed state. She has been identified as Kanchan Kumari, a well-known influencer from Ludhiana.”
Senior Superintendent of Police Amneet Kondal confirmed that the call alerting authorities came on 10 June. “The body was decomposed, indicating that she may have been killed at least 12 hours before being found,” he said.
Police are investigating a potential link to Arsh Dalla, a Canada-based designated terrorist, who had allegedly threatened Kumari in October last year. Reports suggest he had warned her to stop posting what he called “inappropriate” content. While the threat is being taken seriously, police said they are exploring all leads.
“We are looking at every possible angle. At this point, nothing can be confirmed,” SSP Kondal told reporters.
Kumari was known for her bold and often controversial online persona, frequently posting videos with explicit language that drew both attention and criticism.
She was a resident of Laxman Nagar in Ludhiana and had gained widespread popularity as an influencer under the name "Queen".
A post-mortem examination has been scheduled to determine the exact cause of death.
Police say they are treating the case with utmost seriousness given the potential gangland connection and public profile of the victim.
Investigations are ongoing.
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