In a dramatic development that has sent ripples across Punjab’s law enforcement and entertainment circles, dismissed police constable Amandeep Kaur, notoriously known as the ‘Insta Queen’ for her flamboyant social media presence, was arrested on Monday, May 26, 2025. The high-profile apprehension by the Vigilance Bureau unfolded at the residence of singer Raftaar Kaur, the sister of renowned Punjabi playback sensation Afsana Khan, located in Badal village of Muktsar district. This arrest marks a significant turn in a series of legal troubles for Amandeep Kaur, underscoring the ongoing efforts by Punjab’s authorities to curb corruption and illicit activities within the state.
Amandeep Kaur’s journey from a serving police constable to a dismissed individual facing serious charges is a tale that has captivated public attention. She initially gained widespread notoriety, particularly on social media platforms like Instagram, where she cultivated a persona as the ‘Insta Queen’. Her reels often depicted a lavish lifestyle, showcasing high-end vehicles like her Mahindra Thar SUV, luxury accessories including designer handbags and a Rolex watch, and a Shih Tzu pet dog. These displays, frequently made while she was in uniform, drew significant departmental scrutiny and were a direct violation of the Punjab Police’s strict social media conduct rules, which prohibit personnel from creating or sharing videos in uniform to preserve professionalism and prevent misuse of the police emblem. Her nearly 14-year career in the force was marked by an astonishing 31 transfers and two suspensions, indicative of persistent disciplinary issues and alleged misuse of social media. She even performed security duty for a brief period at the residence of the late singer Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu Moosewala, before being transferred for allegedly not discharging her duties properly.
The current arrest stems from a fresh case of disproportionate assets. The Vigilance Bureau’s investigation revealed that between 2018 and 2025, Amandeep Kaur had accumulated assets worth approximately ₹31 lakh more than her known and legitimate sources of income. A detailed scrutiny of her movable and immovable properties, salary, bank accounts, and loan records during this seven-year period indicated a total income of ₹1.08 crore, against an expenditure that soared to ₹1.39 crore. This significant discrepancy, amounting to 28.85% beyond her known legitimate earnings, formed the basis for the corruption case registered against her under relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act at the Vigilance Bureau police station in Bathinda range. She had been summoned twice by the authorities during the probe but reportedly failed to appear, leading to her eventual arrest.
This latest development follows an earlier, pivotal incident that led to her dismissal from the police service. On April 2, 2025, Amandeep Kaur was arrested after 17.71 grams of heroin (a non-commercial quantity) was allegedly seized from her Thar SUV during a routine checking by the police on the Badal road in Bathinda. The operation, conducted by the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) in collaboration with local police, resulted in her immediate dismissal from the force, and her vehicle was impounded. Although she was later granted bail by an additional district sessions judge, Mahesh Grover, on the grounds that the recovered quantity of heroin fell under the non-commercial category, her dismissal remained in effect. The police subsequently launched comprehensive investigations into the backward and forward linkages of the drug recovery, in addition to scrutinizing the assets she had amassed. This dual focus on drug-related offenses and financial impropriety highlights the multi-pronged approach taken by Punjab Police in combating organized crime and corruption.
The arrest location – the residence of singer Afsana Khan’s sister, Raftaar Kaur – has added another layer of public intrigue to the case. According to Vigilance Bureau officials, Amandeep Kaur and Raftaar Kaur are known to be friends. While the investigation continues to ascertain the full extent of their relationship and the reasons for Amandeep Kaur’s presence at the house, initial reports indicate that Raftaar Kaur was present at the residence during the arrest and later spoke to the media, confirming her acquaintance with the dismissed constable for over a year. It is crucial to note that current reports focus solely on the location of the arrest and Amandeep Kaur’s alleged criminal activities, without directly implicating Afsana Khan or her sister in any wrongdoing.
The Punjab Police, under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s stringent zero-tolerance policy against corruption and drug menace, has intensified its “Yudh Nashian Virudh” (War against Drugs) campaign. The arrest of a former police officer, especially one with a significant public profile like the ‘Insta Queen’, sends a strong message about the state’s commitment to cleaning up its ranks and holding public servants accountable. This action is part of a larger crackdown that has seen numerous arrests of drug smugglers and criminals across the state, with assets worth crores of rupees being frozen or confiscated under various acts, including the Smugglers and Foreign Exchange Manipulators (Forfeiture of Property) Act, 1976, and the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985. The Vigilance Bureau spokesperson affirmed that the freezing of Amandeep Kaur’s movable and immovable assets, which includes a residential building valued at ₹99 lakh, a plot at ₹18.12 lakh, a Mahindra Thar, a Royal Enfield Bullet, a Rolex watch, and other luxury items, totaling ₹1.35 crore, is a significant step in this direction.
The contrasting image of Amandeep Kaur’s glamorous ‘Insta Queen’ persona versus the reality of her alleged criminal involvement has resonated deeply with the public. Her case serves as a stark reminder of the temptations and vulnerabilities within law enforcement, and the potential for abuse of power for personal gain. The Punjab Vigilance Bureau’s swift action in scrutinizing her financial activities, following her dismissal in the drug case, demonstrates a resolve to trace the illicit earnings of those involved in corruption.
The legal proceedings following her arrest will now involve her presentation before a court, where the Vigilance Bureau will likely seek her remand for further interrogation. The ongoing investigation will delve deeper into the sources of her disproportionate assets and any other potential linkages to criminal networks. This case stands as a powerful symbol of Punjab’s ongoing battle against corruption and drug trafficking, reinforcing the message that no one, regardless of their past position or public image, is above the law. It reiterates the government’s determination to ensure transparency and accountability within its institutions, fostering a safer and more just society for all its citizens.