A 28-year-old social media influencer, Manjeet Kaur, died during treatment at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh on August 26, weeks after she was allegedly abducted from Chandigarh and set on fire in Morinda.

Following her death, Chandigarh Police registered a case against two suspects on allegations of kidnapping and murder. The investigation is now focused on tracing the accused and establishing the circumstances that led to the attack.

Woman Allegedly Abducted From Sector 34

According to a complaint filed by Manjeet's mother, Kanta Devi, two acquaintances identified as Shubhi and Pinda contacted Manjeet late on July 3.

The two allegedly asked her to meet them near a liquor shop in Sector 34, Chandigarh. After Manjeet reached the location, the suspects allegedly forced her into a car and drove towards Morinda. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the journey and the events that followed.

Alleged Attack in Morinda

According to the complaint, Manjeet was taken to Morinda, where she was allegedly assaulted and tied to a mulberry tree. The suspects then allegedly set her on fire and fled from the spot.

An acquaintance reportedly noticed Manjeet engulfed in flames. The person managed to put out the fire using a blanket and immediately took her to a hospital in Morinda.

Because of the seriousness of her injuries, Manjeet was later shifted to a hospital in Mohali. She was eventually referred to PGIMER, Chandigarh, where she was admitted on July 9.

Manjeet Regained Consciousness Briefly

Manjeet remained unconscious at PGIMER for several weeks while receiving treatment for severe burn injuries. She briefly regained consciousness on August 5. During that period, she reportedly spoke to her family and described what had allegedly happened to her.

However, her health later deteriorated despite continued medical treatment. Manjeet died on August 26 from the injuries she had suffered in the alleged attack.

Police Register Murder and Kidnapping Case

After Manjeet's death, police at the Sector 34 police station registered an FIR under Sections 140(1) for kidnapping, 103(1) for murder and 3(5) for joint criminal liability of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The case was registered after her mother's complaint and has now been upgraded to include the murder allegation following Manjeet's death.

Inspector Shadi Lal, SHO of the Sector 34 Police Station, said Manjeet was a divorcee and is survived by her seven-year-old son. Police sources also said Manjeet had allegedly been in a live-in relationship with one of the suspects named in the case.

Police Search for Two Suspects

Police teams have launched searches to locate Shubhi and Pinda, who remain at large. Investigators are also examining CCTV footage from the route between Sector 34 in Chandigarh and Morinda. The footage is being analysed to track the suspects' movements and establish the sequence of events.

Police are questioning Manjeet's family members, friends and other acquaintances to collect additional information and evidence. The investigation is continuing as authorities work to locate the suspects and determine the exact circumstances surrounding the alleged kidnapping and fatal attack.