The tragic murders of two social media influencers, Kamal Kaur and Sheetal Choudhary, have brought to light the darker side of internet fame in India. Both women, who had substantial followings and were celebrated figures in their respective communities, fell victim to violence that highlights issues of misogyny, extremism, and the potential perils of online presence.

Kamal Kaur: The Influencer from Punjab

Background

Kamal Kaur, originally named Kanchan Kumari, was a prominent social media figure from Ludhiana, Punjab, with a following of approximately 400,000 on Instagram. She was known for her bold and provocative content, which resonated not only with audiences in Punjab but also with the Punjabi diaspora around the world.

Disappearance and Murder

On June 9, 2023, Kaur was lured from her home by a man named Amritpal Singh Mehon under the guise of a brand promotion opportunity. Her disappearance raised immediate concerns, and the following day, CCTV footage revealed a Hyundai Eon car associated with her last known whereabouts. A foul odor led to the gruesome discovery of her lifeless body in a nearby location, with the postmortem confirming that she had been strangled.

Identification of Suspects

The police quickly identified three suspects in connection with Kaur's murder:

• Amritpal Singh Mehon (the mastermind)
• Jaspreet Singh
• Nimratjeet Singh

All three suspects were linked to the Nihang Sikhs, a traditional armed Sikh order. Their motive for the crime stemmed from their belief that Kaur's content was "immoral" and detrimental to Sikh values.

Disturbing Background of the Main Accused

Amritpal Singh Mehon had a controversial history, having converted from Islam to Sikhism and later adopting extremist views. He had previously issued threats to other female influencers. Following the murder, he fled to the UAE, while his accomplices were apprehended in India. Notably, even a Pakistani gangster, Shahzad Bhatti, controversially defended Mehon's actions, labeling the murder as "justified."

Sheetal Choudhary: A Case of Jealousy and Revenge

Background

Sheetal Choudhary, also known as Simmi Choudhary, was a rising music video artist and model from Panipat, Haryana, boasting a following of about 160,000 on Instagram. She was recognized locally as a celebrity.

Disappearance and Murder

On June 14, 2023, Choudhary left her home for a music video shoot, later being picked up by her boyfriend, Sunil. Witnesses reported a heated argument between the couple that night, and Choudhary even video-called her sister to express her concerns about Sunil's behavior.

The following day, Sunil was found hospitalized, claiming they had been involved in an accident. However, their car was discovered in a canal, showing signs of bloodstains. Days later, Choudhary's body was recovered from the same canal, brutally stabbed.

Confession of the Killer

Sunil, who was married and had been in a relationship with Choudhary for four years, confessed to murdering her in a fit of rage upon learning that she was seeing someone else. After killing her, he disposed of her body in the canal.

Conclusion

The murders of Kamal Kaur and Sheetal Choudhary serve as a grim reminder of the dangers associated with internet fame, particularly for women. These incidents are not merely isolated crime stories; they expose the pervasive issues of misogyny, extremism, and the unchecked entitlement men. While social media platforms can provide opportunities for fame and success, they also expose individuals to unprecedented risks and violence. The tragic fates of these two influencers underscore the urgent need to address these societal issues and protect individuals from the darker aspects of online notoriety.

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