P&H High Court Denies Bail to Accused Who Helped Prime Suspect Flee in Social Media Influencer Murder Case
Court rules helping main accused escape after killing of Kanchan Kaur shows “clear complicity,” deems conduct too serious for pre-arrest relief
CHANDIGARH — The Punjab & Haryana High Court has rejected an anticipatory bail petition filed by Ranjit Singh, who allegedly facilitated the escape of the prime accused in the murder of social media influencer Kanchan Kaur Bhabi, holding that such conduct demonstrates clear complicity in the crime.
Justice Sumeet Goel observed that the petitioner allegedly helped main accused Amritpal Singh flee from investigative jurisdiction immediately after the incident, which clearly indicates his complicity and an attempt to derail the investigation. The court emphasized that such conduct cannot be treated lightly when considering anticipatory bail applications.
The court noted that both Amritpal Singh and the present petitioner have remained absconding, which further undermined the petition for discretionary relief. Justice Goel stated that the fact both accused remained absconded disentitles the petitioner to discretionary relief.
In its ruling, the High Court balanced individual liberty against broader societal interests, concluding that the gravity of the offense, the specific role attributed to the petitioner in facilitating the escape, and the ongoing investigation collectively made him ineligible for anticipatory bail.
Legal Significance
The judgment reinforces an important principle in criminal jurisprudence: those who assist prime accused persons in evading justice demonstrate active participation in obstructing investigation and cannot claim the protective shield of anticipatory bail. The court’s reasoning suggests that aiding escape is not merely an accessory act but evidence of deeper involvement in the criminal enterprise.
Legal experts note that this decision sends a strong message about accountability for those who help serious crime accused evade law enforcement. By helping the main accused disappear, such individuals actively undermine the investigation process and demonstrate consciousness of guilt.
Case Background
The case involves the murder of Kanchan Kaur Bhabi, a social media influencer. While details of the actual murder remain under investigation, the current petition dealt specifically with Ranjit Singh’s alleged role in helping the prime suspect Amritpal Singh escape from the investigating agency’s jurisdiction immediately following the crime.
The petition was argued by Advocate Vivek Salathia representing the petitioner, while the state’s case was presented by AAG Punjab Adhiraj Singh Thind.
Investigation Continues
With the anticipatory bail denied, authorities can now proceed with custodial interrogation of the petitioner if arrested, which may help uncover crucial details about the whereabouts of the main accused and the circumstances surrounding the murder. The investigation into the actual murder of the social media influencer remains ongoing, with police working to locate and apprehend the absconding prime accused.
The ruling underscores the judiciary’s commitment to ensuring that those who obstruct justice face appropriate legal consequences, particularly in serious crimes like murder where swift investigation is critical.
