Did Akal Takht Granthi Justify the Murder of a Social Media Influencer?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Giani Malkit Singh's defense of murder raises ethical questions.
- The case highlights the dangers faced by social media influencers.
- Authorities are actively pursuing the primary suspect.
- Public reaction is overwhelmingly critical of the justification.
- Increased security measures for influencers are now a necessity.
Chandigarh, June 17 (NationPress) Giani Malkit Singh, the head granthi of the Akal Takht, has ignited controversy by defending the murder of social media influencer Kanchan Kumari, widely known as Kamal Kaur Bhabhi, who faced accusations of promoting vulgar songs.
The head granthi labeled the act as “justified,” alleging that the influencer contributed to obscenity. He stated, “We should not entertain vulgar songs... Such measures should be taken against those who disseminate vulgarity and tarnish the reputation of the Sikh community. Nothing inappropriate has occurred,” he asserted.
As the second-highest authority after the Akal Takht jathedar, he also called on the youth to refrain from engaging with such obscene material, noting that similar incidents have transpired in the past.
Kanchan's decomposed body was discovered on June 11 inside a vehicle parked in Bathinda city, with police confirming she had been strangled. Authorities have apprehended two individuals, Jaspreet Singh and Nimratit Singh, in connection with the murder. The primary suspect, Amritpal Singh Mehron, reportedly fled to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) mere hours following the incident.
Superintendent of Police Amneet Kondal mentioned that a lookout circular has been issued for the main suspect, Mehron, who is originally from Moga.
The 30-year-old self-identified Sikh radical leads a group named ‘Qaum De Rakhe’. The investigation revealed that Mehron had been scheming Kanchan Kumari’s murder for nearly three months. He, along with the two arrested individuals, Jaspreet Singh (32) and Nimratjit Singh (21), had frequently visited Ludhiana and stayed in nearby hotels to surveil her lifestyle, movements, and daily routines.
Prior to the murder, Mehron had allegedly threatened two other women social media influencers in the region for supposedly promoting vulgar content, according to police reports.
A video circulating on social media post-murder purportedly features Mehron claiming that Kanchan was killed by two of his associates.
Kanchan, who boasted 384,000 followers, also managed a YouTube channel named 'Funny Bhabhi TV' with 236,000 subscribers.
Another influencer, Deepika Luthra from Amritsar, has been receiving death threats from Mehron due to her “double-meaning” content and has confined herself at home. In light of the threats, Commissioner of Police Amritsar Gurpreet Singh Bhullar has arranged for police protection outside her residence.