Punjabi social media influencer and makeup artist Mad Sandhu, whose real name was Madhusudan, was shot dead by two motorcycle-borne assailants on Loharka Road in Amritsar on Saturday evening. The 29-year-old was reportedly set to enter Bigg Boss as a wildcard contestant, making the killing particularly shocking for his family and followers.
Sandhu was attacked at around 6 pm outside a car washing centre. The two unidentified assailants allegedly opened fire at him before fleeing the spot. Sandhu sustained critical bullet injuries and died while being taken to a private hospital.
Police recovered two empty bullet shells from the crime scene and have launched an investigation to identify the attackers and establish the motive behind the shooting.
Attack outside car washing centre
According to preliminary information, Sandhu was at the car washing centre on Loharka Road when the two suspects allegedly arrived on a motorcycle and opened fire.
The attackers fled immediately after the shooting. Sandhu was rushed for medical treatment, but he could not be saved.
Special police teams have since been formed to trace the assailants. Investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding the attack and pursuing multiple leads.
Two alleged gangsters claim responsibility
The investigation took another turn after two alleged gangsters separately claimed responsibility for Sandhu's killing through social media posts.
Goldy Dhillon was the first to allegedly claim responsibility. In the post, he accused Sandhu of “ruining the new generation” and warned others whom he claimed were promoting similar content on social media platforms.
The claim was subsequently disputed by Spain-based alleged gangster Lucky Johal, who reportedly said that he was responsible for the killing.
Johal allegedly claimed that the murder was not motivated by money or personal gain, but described it as an attempt to protect Punjab's culture and environment.
Police dismiss social media claims as unauthentic
Despite the posts circulating widely online, Amritsar Police have cautioned against treating the claims as genuine.
Police Commissioner Harmanbir Singh Gill said the social media posts claiming responsibility were unauthentic and had been uploaded by foreign-based persons.
“We are progressing towards solving the case,” Gill said.
Police are also investigating whether the posts have any actual connection with the killing or were intended to mislead investigators.
Sandhu was reportedly headed for Bigg Boss
The shooting came at a time when Sandhu's social media career was reportedly gaining further momentum.
His reported selection for Bigg Boss was being seen as another major milestone in his career. According to his father, Sandhu was expected to enter the reality show as a wildcard contestant.
“He was supposed to go to Bigg Boss as a wildcard entry,” his father said.
The development has added another emotional dimension to the case, with the family losing Sandhu at a time when his career was reportedly reaching a new stage.