Punjabi makeup artist and social media influencer Mad Sandhu was shot dead on Loharka Road in Amritsar on Saturday, October 3. The around 30-year-old was attacked by two unidentified men riding a motorcycle, who opened fire at around 6 pm before fleeing the spot.
No arrests have been reported so far, and the motive behind the killing has not yet been established. Police are investigating Sandhu's background, his social media activity, earlier disputes and the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Mad Sandhu was known in Punjab for his work as a makeup artist as well as his presence on social media. He had around 2.29 lakh followers and regularly posted content related to fashion, beauty, lifestyle and social issues.
Sandhu was openly gay and was an outspoken member of the LGBTQ community. A significant part of his online presence involved discussing social norms, LGBTQ+ acceptance and his own lifestyle. His visibility also made him a target of homophobic trolling on social media.
According to Police Commissioner Harmanbir Singh Gill, Sandhu was the son of a retired Punjab Police sub-inspector. His family told the media that he also ran a salon alongside his work as a social media creator.
His online identity was built around a combination of beauty, fashion and personal expression. He was particularly known for appearing openly on social media and speaking about issues related to acceptance and social attitudes.
According to Commissioner Harmanbir Singh Gill, the killing appeared to be planned. Preliminary investigation indicated that the attackers tracked Sandhu and opened fire after he reached a car-washing point on Loharka Road.
Two unidentified men on a motorcycle were involved in the attack. They fled after firing at Sandhu.
Police Commissioner Gill said investigators had leads in the case and that the probe could result in further revelations. However, the exact reason for the killing remains unclear.
