Chandigarh: Nearly two weeks after social media influencer Manjeet Kaur died from injuries allegedly suffered in a violent attack, Chandigarh Police have made the first arrest in the case.
Police arrested Parminder Singh alias Pinda, a resident of Kapurthala, late Tuesday night near the Sector 38 motor market. A team from the Sector 34 police station took him into custody, and he was produced before a court on Wednesday. The court subsequently granted police a four-day remand for further interrogation.
Police Trace Suspect Through Call Records
According to investigators, Pinda's alleged presence in connection with Manjeet's disappearance was established using call detail records and mobile tower location data.
During questioning, police said Pinda admitted to being involved in Manjeet's alleged kidnapping but denied having any role in setting her on fire. Investigators are continuing to verify his version against other evidence collected during the probe.
The case dates back to the intervening night of July 3 and 4, when Manjeet was allegedly called to Sector 34 by people known to her.
Police said she was subsequently assaulted and forced into a vehicle before being taken to an area near Morinda in Punjab. She was allegedly tied to a tree and set on fire.
Another acquaintance who reportedly reached the location later is said to have extinguished the flames with a blanket.
Manjeet Remained Under Treatment Before Her Death
Following the incident, Manjeet was first taken to a hospital in Morinda. She was later shifted to a private hospital in Mohali and eventually admitted to PGI Chandigarh.
Despite treatment, she died on August 26 from the injuries she had suffered.
Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack and the events that led to her death.
Pregnancy Dispute Being Probed as Possible Motive
Investigators are also examining the possibility that a dispute over Manjeet's pregnancy may have played a role in the alleged crime.
Police are treating the matter as a “double murder” case, based on their allegation that Manjeet was around seven weeks pregnant when she died.
According to investigators, Pinda allegedly told police that Manjeet had claimed the unborn child was his. Pinda reportedly denied being the father. Police are now examining whether this disagreement could have contributed to the attack.
Manjeet's mother had previously raised suspicion against Pinda and another acquaintance, Rinku, both of whom were named in the FIR.
Police Investigate Possibility of a False Trail
Investigators are also examining whether those involved attempted to use an existing social-media dispute involving one of Manjeet's acquaintances to misdirect the investigation.
Police suspect that a false trail may have been created to divert attention from the actual sequence of events. This aspect of the case is still under investigation.
Pinda's Version Differs From Initial Police Theory
Police sources said Pinda gave investigators a different account during interrogation.
According to his alleged statement, Manjeet was not taken to the forest area near Morinda. Instead, he reportedly claimed that she was set on fire behind a park in Sector 34 following an argument involving Rinku.
Sources said the confrontation allegedly turned physical. Manjeet was then allegedly taken in a car, assaulted and set on fire. The flames were reportedly put out later after those involved became concerned about the consequences.
Rinku is also alleged to have taken Manjeet to a flat in Kharar because he believed she might still survive.
However, police have made it clear that Pinda's version cannot yet be treated as established fact. He is the first accused arrested in the case, and investigators are independently checking his claims against call records, location data, medical evidence, witness statements and other material.
Investigation Continues
With the first arrest now made, police are questioning Pinda to establish the complete sequence of events and determine the alleged roles of other suspects.
The investigation remains ongoing, and several important questions—including the exact location of the attack, the motive and the involvement of other people—are yet to be conclusively established.
The accused is entitled to due process, and the allegations will ultimately have to be tested through the investigation and court proceedings.
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