The Fatal Cost of Moral Policing: Punjab Must Wake Up.....by Gurjot Singh Kaler

Alarm bells have started ringing, and Punjab cannot afford to ignore these warnings any longer. Already burdened by narco-terrorism, communal polarization, and religious radicalization, the state now confronts another dangerous menace—violent moral policing.

The brutal murder of social media influencer Kanchan Kumari, popularly known as Kamal Kaur Bhabhi, underscores the alarming erosion of law and order.

Kanchan, whose videos had amassed lakhs of followers online, was tragically strangled and killed by extremists portraying themselves as custodians of Punjab’s cultural and moral values.

The group behind this heinous act, ironically named ‘Qaum De Rakhe,’ led by Amritpal Singh Mehron, justified the crime by branding her videos as vulgar and obscene. This wasn't merely an isolated crime—it was a chilling act designed to spread fear and assert control over public morality.Though Punjab Police acted swiftly by registering an FIR and arresting two accomplices, Mehron managed to escape overseas, evading immediate justice.

This situation demands introspection: Has the fear of law evaporated from Punjab? Why do individuals feel emboldened enough to commit violence openly and justify it brazenly on social media? Mehron’s self-styled role as a moral crusader, threatening other social media influencers, highlights the dangerous path Punjab risks taking if such vigilantes remain unchecked.

The misuse of religious symbolism by Mehron’s group, adopting attire similar to traditional Sikh Nihangs, complicates the situation further. Such deceptive exploitation of religion seeks to mask criminal acts as morally justified—a tactic deeply harmful to the social fabric of Punjab.

No religion endorses violence. Historically known for its tolerance and harmony, Punjab must reject these twisted misrepresentations unequivocally.

Furthermore, Punjab’s societal problems extend deeper. Kanchan's tragic killing echoes the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala, whose assassination by gangster Lawrence Bishnoi was also rationalized through distorted moral reasoning.

Extortion threats and ransom demands are now everyday occurrences for the business community. Persistent calls for Khalistan disturb communal peace, and vandalism of statues honoring social reformers like Dr. B.R. Ambedkar signals growing intolerance.The state's financial crisis and economic stagnation further compound despair, pushing the youth to migrate abroad, notably to Canada, seeking a better future.

A disturbing and paradoxical trend emerged online following Kanchan's murder. Social media, which once celebrated and amplified her presence, is now rife with hypocrisy. Many former followers, who indulged voyeuristically in her videos, hypocritically condemned her after her death. These individuals, who failed to acknowledge their complicity, justified her murder even while disclaiming their own responsibility.

If objections to her content genuinely stemmed from moral concern, they could have chosen to stop watching or pursued legal remedies under India’s Information Technology Act or relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Instead, they silently consumed her content during her life and turned judgmental after her death. Tragically, none of these voices appeared at her cremation to support her grieving family, who relied heavily on Kanchan as their sole provider following her father’s demise.

This tragic event demands serious questions about society’s responsibilities and available legal remedies. Clear legal frameworks already exist to handle objectionable online content, including robust provisions under the Information Technology Act and other relevant laws.

Such mechanisms must be actively communicated and strengthened so that citizens realize violence is neither acceptable nor necessary. The line must be clearly drawn—personal morality can never supersede the rule of law.

Collective societal introspection and decisive action have never been more urgent. Punjab must decide whether to spiral into lawlessness or rise stronger by rejecting extremism, intolerance, and vigilantism.

Political leaders and bureaucrats, too often driven by short-term interests or internal rivalries, must prioritize genuine, long-term progress for Punjab. Strengthening the justice system, combating extremism, and reviving the economy must become urgent priorities.

Punjab must not become a failed state reminiscent of Afghanistan, where violent extremist ideologies control daily life. Instead, it must reclaim its historical legacy as a land of spiritual enlightenment, progressive thinking, and communal harmony. For this revival, citizens must unambiguously reject all forms of vigilantism and moral policing.

It is imperative for Punjab Police to rigorously pursue justice in Kanchan’s murder by apprehending all conspirators and sending a powerful deterrent message. Swift and transparent justice will restore public confidence in governance and the legal system.

Concurrently,  government and civil society must encourage responsible digital behavior, educating citizens on the ethical use of social media. Open discussions on social taboos must occur without stigma or sensationalism, empowering individuals to seek legal redress rather than resorting to violence.

Ultimately, Punjab’s revival hinges upon collective awakening. Society must courageously confront uncomfortable truths, reject violence as a solution, and embrace compassionate yet firm adherence to legal processes. Only through unity, vigilance, and unwavering commitment to the rule of law can Punjab heal and rebuild.

We owe it to Kanchan, her grieving family, and countless others victimized by unchecked extremism, to prevent Punjab from slipping further into darkness.Let this tragedy serve as Punjab’s wake-up call—an urgent demand for decisive action and meaningful social transformation. Only then can Punjab emerge united and resilient, refusing to let extremism and intolerance dictate its future.

June 24, 2025