Here’s a fresh take on the story:
In an era where digital fame often translates to real-world influence, the funeral of Kamal Kaur Bhabi, a social media personality with over 3.8 lakh Instagram followers, tells a different story. Despite her widespread online presence, her final rites were attended by only three family members, alongside government officials and activists from Sahara Jan Sewa.
Bhabi, whose real name was Kanchan Kumari, had built a reputation through viral reels, often pushing the boundaries of conventional content. However, her online persona also attracted controversy, particularly among radical Sikh organizations, who criticized her for adopting the surname “Kaur” despite not being of Sikh heritage.
Her murder, allegedly orchestrated by Amritpal Singh Mehron, has sparked heated debates on moral policing and digital activism. Mehron, in a widely circulated video, urged Punjabis to uphold Sikh traditions, arguing that outsiders should not adopt sacred surnames. This rhetoric has fueled discussions on identity, cultural appropriation, and the power dynamics of social media.
Interestingly, while Bhabi’s Instagram engagement soared posthumously, her funeral remained eerily quiet. The contrast between her digital popularity and real-world isolation raises questions about the nature of online fame—does a massive following truly translate to genuine human connections?
Meanwhile, YouTube channels have capitalized on the tragedy, amplifying narratives around moral policing and social reform, further blurring the lines between activism and exploitation.
As investigations continue, Bhabi’s story serves as a stark reminder: in the digital age, followers do not always mean friends, and online fame does not guarantee real-world support.
