Punjabi singer Inder Kaur, also known as Yashinder Kaur, was found dead in the Neelon Canal days after she was reported missing, police in Ludhiana confirmed on Tuesday. The 29-year-old singer’s body was recovered nearly six days after her family alleged she had been abducted at gunpoint.

Kaur, a resident of Jamalpur in Ludhiana, was last seen on May 13, when she left home in her Ford Figo to buy groceries but did not return. Her disappearance triggered a widespread search and a kidnapping complaint filed by her family.

Missing singer’s car and body found in canal

Police said Kaur’s car was first located in the Neelon Canal on Sunday, while her body was recovered the following day near Kuba village. Officers stated that bloodstains were found inside the vehicle, suggesting the singer may have been killed in the car before her body was dumped in the water.

The remains were transported to Samrala Civil Hospital for a post-mortem examination after her family identified the body.

Family accuses Canada-based man of orchestrating kidnapping

Kaur’s brother, Jotinder Singh, told investigators that the family suspected Sukhwinder Singh, also known as Sukha, of abducting her. He alleged the Canada-based man had been pressuring his sister to marry him despite already being married with children.

The family claimed that Kaur refused the proposal, leading to a long-standing grudge. They further alleged that Sukhwinder travelled from Canada to Punjab with the intention of harming her. According to the complaint, he and several associates intercepted Kaur at gunpoint, murdered her, and then fled back to Canada.

Police sources said preliminary investigation suggests Kaur and Sukhwinder had known each other earlier and had been in a relationship before parting ways.

Police arrest two; main accused on the run

Ludhiana police confirmed the arrest of Sukhwinder’s father Pritam Singh and associate Karamjit Singh, both residents of Moga. The two men were allegedly involved in the conspiracy but have denied direct involvement.

Police added that Sukhwinder had flown into India via Kathmandu on April 29 and left on May 13, the same day Kaur disappeared.

“The initial probe suggests that the woman was murdered in the car and later her body was dumped into the canal,” said Sub-Inspector Dalvir Singh, SHO of Jamalpur Police Station. He also confirmed that an FIR was registered on May 15 and efforts are underway to locate the absconding accused.

The family has criticised the police response, alleging a delay in action despite their early complaint.

Who was Inder Kaur?

Inder Kaur was an emerging name in the Punjabi music circuit, known for tracks like ‘Sone Di Chirhi’, ‘Jija’, ‘Sohna Lagda’ and ‘Desi Sirre Da’. She had cultivated a strong online following, with more than 124,000 Instagram followers, and was gaining traction through regional performances.

Her death has shocked the Punjabi music community, with fans and fellow artists expressing grief and demanding a thorough investigation.

Police say the case is being treated as a kidnapping and murder, with further forensic analysis underway. Searches continue to track down Sukhwinder, who remains the prime suspect.

(With PTI inputs)