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Punjabi influencer shot dead in Amritsar
Punjab influencer and makeup artist Mad Sandhu was shot dead by two men on a motorcycle in Amritsar. Police are investigating the motive behind the attack.
At a glance
Why it matters
The killing of a public figure who openly discussed LGBTQ+ issues highlights concerns about safety and security for marginalized communities in Punjab, raising questions about the effectiveness of law enforcement and political accountability.
Key facts
- Mad Sandhu, a Punjabi influencer and makeup artist, was shot dead in Amritsar on October 3, 2026.
- The attack occurred on Loharka road around 6 p.m., with two men on a motorcycle firing at close range.
- Sandhu had faced homophobic trolling online and had publicly mentioned receiving threats for months.
- His Instagram account had 2.26 lakh followers, and he was known for discussing gender and LGBTQ+ issues.
- Police have launched an investigation but have not yet identified the attackers or confirmed the motive.
What happens next
The police are expected to release more details on the investigation by November 1, 2026, including the identity of the attackers and the full context of the threats Sandhu received.
Punjab’s social media influencer and makeup artist Mad Sandhu was shot dead by two unidentified men on a motorcycle in Amritsar on Saturday, October 3, 2026, according to police. The incident occurred on Loharka road around 6 p.m., when Sandhu, whose real name is Madhusudan, was reportedly attacked while retrieving his car for washing. Eyewitnesses said two to three rounds were fired at close range, and Sandhu was found lying in a pool of blood on the road. A video of the incident, showing him blood-soaked and being helped by bystanders, went viral on social media.
Sandhu, who had 2.26 lakh followers on Instagram, was known for discussing makeup artistry, gender issues, and LGBTQ+ acceptance on podcasts and digital platforms. He had also appeared in the Punjabi film 'Oye Bhole Oye'. His social media posts often addressed homophobia, with him responding to criticism by stating, 'God had made me the way I am.' He was openly gay and had faced homophobic trolling online.
The attack has sparked criticism of Punjab’s AAP government, with Congress leader Raj Kumar Verka accusing the administration of failing to protect citizens. He called for Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s resignation, citing the government’s inability to address law and order issues. Amritsar MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla also condemned the AAP, stating that Sandhu had received threats for months and had publicly mentioned them on social media. Aujla demanded a thorough investigation into the case, including the identity of the attackers and the government’s response to previous threats.
Police have launched an investigation and said they have some leads. Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Sirivennela confirmed that the accused fled the scene on a motorbike. The motive for the attack remains unclear, and authorities are examining multiple angles. Despite repeated threats, no formal security measures were reportedly taken for Sandhu.
What remains unknown is the identity of the attackers and the full context of the threats Sandhu received. The police have not yet disclosed whether any suspects have been identified or if the case has been linked to any ongoing investigations. The AAP government has not issued a formal statement on the incident, and no official response has been made to the criticism from political leaders.