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‘Pregnant influencer burnt after argument’: Twist in Manjit Kaur murder case

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Hina Rohtaki

September 12, 2026
‘Pregnant influencer burnt after argument’: Twist in Manjit Kaur murder case

Chandigarh Police have made their first arrest in the murder of Punjabi influencer Manjit Kaur, who died two months after being set on fire. The suspect, Paraminder Singh, has provided investigators with a timeline of events involving the main accused, Rinku.

Breakthrough in the Manjit Kaur Murder Investigation

The Arrest of Paraminder Singh

Two months after the horrific attack on 28-year-old Punjabi influencer Manjit Kaur, the Chandigarh Police have achieved a significant breakthrough. The arrest of 25-year-old Paraminder Singh, alias Pinda, marks the first formal apprehension in a case that has remained shrouded in mystery since the victim was set on fire. Pinda, a resident of Khanowal in Kapurthala district, was apprehended by authorities while traveling in a Fortuner near the Sector 48 motor market, providing investigators with a long-awaited lead.

Reconstructing the Night of July 3

According to police sources, Pinda is an associate of the primary suspect, identified as Rinku. During interrogation, Pinda reportedly disclosed a chilling series of events that transpired on the intervening night of July 3 and 4. The narrative provided by the suspect suggests that a heated argument between Kaur and Rinku escalated rapidly, leading to her abduction and subsequent immolation. This testimony is critical for the police, who have spent weeks struggling to reconstruct the victim's movements and establish a clear timeline of the fatal encounter.

Shifting Focus: From Fortuner to Swift

While the arrest of Pinda occurred in a Fortuner, investigators have been quick to clarify that this vehicle is not believed to be the one utilized during the crime. Police are currently shifting their investigative focus toward a white Swift, which has emerged as the primary vehicle of interest in the alleged abduction. This pivot in the investigation reflects the methodical approach authorities are taking to verify Pinda’s claims and cross-reference them with physical evidence collected from the crime scene and surveillance footage.

The Dynamics of the Relationship

Central to the investigation is the nature of the relationship between Manjit Kaur and the primary suspect, Rinku. Pinda’s statements have confirmed that the two were involved in a personal relationship, providing a potential motive for the violence. The brutality of the act—setting a human being on fire—has sent shockwaves through the community and drawn significant attention to the safety of public figures and influencers who often lead lives exposed to the public eye.

Broader Implications and Future Trends

This case highlights the complexities involved in policing crimes involving public figures, where digital footprints and personal associations often collide. As the Chandigarh Police continue their probe, the focus will likely remain on apprehending the main suspect, Rinku. The success of this investigation will serve as a litmus test for the local police force's ability to handle high-profile criminal cases involving social media personalities, potentially setting a precedent for how such investigations are conducted in the region moving forward.

Concluding Summary

With the arrest of Paraminder Singh, the investigation into Manjit Kaur’s death has gained critical momentum. The transition from a stalled inquiry to a detailed reconstruction of the crime is a major development for the victim's family and the public. As authorities work to verify the details provided by the accused and trace the white Swift, the focus remains firmly on securing justice for the late influencer and ensuring the primary perpetrator is brought to account.

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