‘Sacrifice for Panth’: Faridkot MP backs Mehron

After Akal Takht head granthi Giani Malkit Singh justified the killing of social media influencer Kanchan Kumari, aka Kamal Kaur Bhabhi, Independent Faridkot Member of Parliament (MP) Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa has also endorsed the act, calling it a “sacrifice by Amritpal Singh Mehron for the Sikh Panth”.

Khalsa, accompanied by jailed Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh’s father Tarsem Singh, visited Mehron village in Moga and met the family of the prime accused. Both belong to the Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De).

Khalsa said, “Ninety per cent of the people believe it was a justified act. What is there to condemn? He has ruined his own life too. He is absconding, can’t go home, and may face 20 years in jail. No one does such a thing happily. This is his sacrifice for the Panth.”

The Faridkot MP added that he would raise the matter in the Lok Sabha, demanding a law to restrict objectionable online content, suggesting it be visible only to followers. He also claimed that his intervention led to the release of Mehron’s father and sister from custody.

Khalsa criticised the government, saying, “Those who act for the Sikh cause are sent to Dibrugarh (jail), while those misleading the Panth get security and state support.”

Don’t harass the family: MP Amritpal’s father Tarsem Singh

Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh’s father, Tarsem Singh, told The Tribune that while he did not endorse the killing, Mehron acted out of concern. “I only request that the family should not be harassed. Sometimes circumstances push people to such extremes. Social media accounts promoting unethical content should be suspended,” he said.

Converted to Sikhism in 1947: Mehron’s father

Baljinder Singh, father of Amritpal Mehron, said their family embraced Sikhism during the Partition. “We were Muslims before 1947. Our ancestors took ‘amrit’ that year. Amritpal went to Malaysia once for work, but returned in five months. He lives with us in the village and last met me on May 31. On June 1, he left while I was at work. On June 11, he called and asked me to leave the house, without explanation,” said Baljinder, a construction worker. He added, “Whatever happens by nature, happens for a reason.” Amritpal’s mother is currently in Australia visiting her daughter.

Both accused sent to judicial custody

A local court on Wednesday sent Nimaratjeet Singh and Jaspreet Singh to 14-day judicial custody. Arrested on June 13, their five-day police remand ended today.

Police allege the two, along with Mehron, were involved in the murder. Kanchan’s decomposed body was found near Adesh University at Bhucho Kalan here on June 11.

Their counsel, advocate Harpal Singh Khara, said there was no recovery, no weapon was used, and the waistband allegedly used was burnt. He claimed it was a blind murder. “The police itself today said that they want to send the accused to jail,” said Khara.

According to the police, the murder was an act of “moral policing”. Amritpal, Ranjit Singh of Sohal village in Tarn Taran district and an unidentified person are currently at large. Lookout circulars have been issued against Ranjit and Amritpal, though the latter is believed to have fled to the UAE. An arrest warrant was issued against him on Tuesday.

Bathinda SSP Amneet Kondal said, “The phones of the deceased are reportedly with Amritpal. The Bureau of Immigration (BoI) is involved in his deportation process. Additionally, raids are being conducted to arrest Ranjit.”

Punjab