AMRITSAR: Punjabi influencer and makeup artist Mad Sandhu, one of the region's most prominent LGBTQ personalities, was shot dead by two men on a motorcycle in Amritsar on Saturday evening. Police said the killing took place on Loharka Road at around 6 pm, while Sandhu was waiting outside a car wash centre for his vehicle.
Sandhu, whose full first name was Madhusudan, was found lying blood-soaked on the road after sustaining gunshot wounds. Around two to three rounds were fired, with an eyewitness telling police the shots were fired at close range. He was rushed to a private hospital but succumbed to his injuries on the way, police said.
Police launch probe, say motive not established
Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Sirivennela said two unidentified men on a motorcycle carried out the attack and fled the spot. "Two unidentified men fired at him around 6 pm," the officer said.
Commissioner of Police Harmanbir Singh Gill said investigators had made progress in the case. "Police have solid leads and we will soon nab the culprits and ensure exemplary punishment for them," Gill said. Based on a statement from the family, police have registered an FIR and formed teams to identify and arrest the assailants. A senior officer said the motive was yet to be ascertained and investigators were working on multiple angles.
A Facebook post from a handle named 'Goldy Dhillon' appeared soon after the shooting, claiming responsibility and saying Sandhu had "spoilt" Punjab. Officials said the post was being examined as part of the investigation.
A voice for acceptance
Sandhu frequently appeared on podcasts to discuss makeup, the film business and gender issues, and often faced homophobic trolling on social media. He answered critics by saying, "God has made me the way I am," and was open about his identity as a gay man.
He began his career as a stylist and assistant costume designer in films in Punjab and Mumbai, later gaining massive popularity through Instagram reels and viral videos covering luxury fashion, lifestyle and open commentary on social norms and LGBTQ acceptance. He had around 2.4 lakh followers on Instagram, ran the Mane Lane Unisex Salon in Amritsar, and had acting roles in Punjabi films including the 'Oye Bhole Oye' series.
Sources: NDTV | The Indian Express
Sandhu, whose full first name was Madhusudan, was found lying blood-soaked on the road after sustaining gunshot wounds. Around two to three rounds were fired, with an eyewitness telling police the shots were fired at close range. He was rushed to a private hospital but succumbed to his injuries on the way, police said.
Police launch probe, say motive not established
Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Sirivennela said two unidentified men on a motorcycle carried out the attack and fled the spot. "Two unidentified men fired at him around 6 pm," the officer said.
Commissioner of Police Harmanbir Singh Gill said investigators had made progress in the case. "Police have solid leads and we will soon nab the culprits and ensure exemplary punishment for them," Gill said. Based on a statement from the family, police have registered an FIR and formed teams to identify and arrest the assailants. A senior officer said the motive was yet to be ascertained and investigators were working on multiple angles.
A Facebook post from a handle named 'Goldy Dhillon' appeared soon after the shooting, claiming responsibility and saying Sandhu had "spoilt" Punjab. Officials said the post was being examined as part of the investigation.
A voice for acceptance
Sandhu frequently appeared on podcasts to discuss makeup, the film business and gender issues, and often faced homophobic trolling on social media. He answered critics by saying, "God has made me the way I am," and was open about his identity as a gay man.
He began his career as a stylist and assistant costume designer in films in Punjab and Mumbai, later gaining massive popularity through Instagram reels and viral videos covering luxury fashion, lifestyle and open commentary on social norms and LGBTQ acceptance. He had around 2.4 lakh followers on Instagram, ran the Mane Lane Unisex Salon in Amritsar, and had acting roles in Punjabi films including the 'Oye Bhole Oye' series.
Sources: NDTV | The Indian Express
