Influencers, Crime & Fame: The New Criminal Celebrities

When chasing views turns into criminal obsession

Introduction: When Likes Turn Lethal

Social media promised everyone a stage to shine. From your living room, a single post could reach millions. But in India’s race for virality, some influencers have crossed a line—and broken hearts, trust, laws, and even lives in the process.

This is not hyperbole or fear-mongering. These are real tragedies:

• A woman strangled for being “too bold.”

• A teenager’s soul crushed by blackmail.

• A city gripped by the panic of fake guns.

• Sacred beliefs mocked on a fasting holy day.

• A marriage torn apart with the cold blade of betrayal.

All in the name of content.

All for likes.

All for fame.

In this article, we dive into five harrowing stories—each revealing how social media fame has, at times, become a license to harm. These are not just cautionary tales; they are warnings for our times.

Moral Murder – “Kamal Kaur Bhabhi” Silenced for Content

Kanchan Tiwari—known to hundreds of thousands as “Kamal Kaur Bhabhi”—was a voice of cheer in Punjab’s influencer scene. Her upbeat videos showed laughter, bold content, and infectious energy.

On June 11, 2025, her body was found strangled in her locked car outside Bathinda’s Adesh Medical University. Local residents, drawn by a foul odor, called the police. What they discovered shook the nation .

The crime timeline:

1. She was invited to promote a car—fake, as investigators say.

2. Victim allegedly forced to unlock her phone.

3. Strangled inside her own car.

4. Body dumped; killer fled to UAE within seven hours.

5. Two associates arrested. Main suspect, Amritpal Singh Mehron, remains at large.

It wasn’t for money, love, or business. It was moral policing. He believed her humor was immoral, her boldness problematic. And so, she was silenced—for being herself.

“She just wanted to make people smile. Why did that cost her life?” — Renu Tiwari, Kamal’s sister

“He told us he was helping her with a brand deal. We never imagined he was planning to kill her.”— Local resident who knew the accused

Friends and family describe her as “always smiling.” Now, her family speaks of emptiness. Punjab’s creative online community is afraid. When expression becomes provocation—who’s safe?

Sextortion & Suicide – A Teen’s Hidden Battle

Tapeshwar Mahto, a 25-year-old alleged predator in Jharkhand, lived a double life. Charming on camera, dangerous offline.

On June 6, 2025, Jharkhand police arrested him for orchestrating a sextortion ring that reportedly drove a minor to suicide. Investigators say he used burner phones to threaten a 17-year-old boy into sending explicit material. When the teen refused, the threats intensified. Eventually, the boy took his own life .

Mahto’s deep involvement—including bank transactions recorded by police—means this was no isolated incident. It signals a systematic operation, with unknown accomplices lurking behind burner phones and encrypted chats.

Sextortion isn’t new. But when it strikes minors through influencers or online personalities, it inflicts psychological damage and lethal fear.

“My son stopped talking, stopped eating… we thought it was exam stress. We didn’t know he was dying inside.” — Father of the victim

“He used the internet like a weapon. These men hide behind phones and destroy lives.” — Investigating Officer, Jharkhand Police Cyber Cell

A teenager’s life ended in silence, leaving a family haunted and a community shaken.

Fake Guns, Real Panic – Bengaluru Influencer Arrested

Arun Kathare—also called “Arun Karate”—was a 26-year-old Bengaluru content creator. Known for action-style reels, he snapped photos with toy AK-47 rifles and posed alongside hired bodyguards.

Between June and July 2024, Arun filmed reels in local neighbourhoods. But behind the scenes, residents believed a dangerous gang was roaming—cause for panic.

Agitated locals filed complaints. Police moved quickly and arrested him under the Arms Act and public nuisance laws, confiscating weapons, vehicles, and costumes.

These weren’t harmless props—they were fear machines. A stunt aiming at fame created real anxiety and public danger.

“My 7‑year‑old daughter saw the video and asked, ‘Are goons coming to our house too?’” — Local resident

“Reels should not create fear. We acted fast because people were genuinely scared.” — Senior Police Inspector, Bengaluru North Zone

A fleeting reel led to real terror—one that shook an entire neighborhood.

Beer on Ekadashi – A Sacred Fast Turned Viral

Sachin Singh, known as “Lappu Sachin,” and six influencer friends in Jaipur.

On Nirjala Ekadashi—a sacred Hindu fasting day—they filmed themselves distributing beer to random passersby. Laughter followed the clinking of bottles… but anger followed the posts .

Videos sparked outrage. Public protests erupted. Authorities arrested all seven. They later issued apology videos, kneeling with folded ears—an act too late for many.

Turning devotion into a stunt offends not just individuals, but entire communities.

“They insulted our beliefs. It wasn’t just a joke—it was a slap to our faces.” — Religious Leader, Jaipur Temple Trust

“We thought it would be funny. We didn’t mean to hurt anyone. We are sorry.” — Sachin Singh aka Lappu Sachin, in his apology video

A fast day lost its sanctity—and a community lost trust.

Intimate Betrayal & Murder – Love Gone Wrong

Ravina Rao, a 34k-follower influencer and YouTuber, with her lover Suresh.

On March 25, 2025, in Haryana’s Bhiwani district, Ravina was allegedly caught having an affair. In a violent act, she and Suresh strangled her husband Praveen with her dupatta, disposed of his body in a drain and fled .

CCTV footage and phone data tracked their movements. Three days later, they were arrested.

When betrayal becomes content, and passion becomes violence—it destroys not just one life, but many.

“He was my son. A quiet, kind man. What was his crime? Loving her too much?” — Mother of the murdered husband

“We tracked their phone movement and found the body in the drain. It was cold, planned murder.” — Investigating Officer, Bhiwani Police

Their child lost both parents. A family was torn apart in the glare of attention.

Patterns: When Influence Turns into Crime

These five cases are not outliers—they are signals. They show how social media’s demand for fresh content can lead to real-world harm.

Conclusion: Viral Isn’t Always Victory

Fame can uplift—or destroy.

• Kamal Kaur Bhabhi lost her voice forever.

• A teen lost his life to online abuse.

• A neighborhood lived in fear.

• A sacred fast was desecrated.

• A husband was murdered in cold blood.

This is not about a ban on creative platforms—it’s about responsibility. Every like, follow, and share carries weight.

What can we do?

• Demand accountability: Platforms should stop rewarding harmful content.

• Support education: Teach creators about boundaries and impact.

• Think before sharing: Ask whose life might be hurt behind the next viral post.

Because in this digital age, influence shouldn’t cost lives. Content must compel conversation—not create catastrophes.

Disclaimer:

This article is based on publicly available reports, news sources, and verified police records as cited. All individuals mentioned are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The intent of this article is to inform the public about the rising intersection of social media influence and crime in India—not to defame or target any individual or community. Names, quotes, and statements used from interviews are either taken from official sources or reproduced with consent. If any error or misrepresentation is found, please contact the editorial team for correction.

Verified Sources:

1. Times of India (TOI) – “Bathinda influencer Kamal Kaur Bhabhi found murdered”

2. Hindustan Times – “Jharkhand teen dies by suicide after sextortion, one held”

3. Deccan Herald – “Bengaluru influencer arrested for panic video with fake guns”

4. NDTV / India Today – “Beer offered on Ekadashi by Jaipur influencers, 7 arrested”

5. Dainik Bhaskar / Amar Ujala – “Bhiwani YouTuber kills husband with lover, both arrested”