Punjabi influencer and Makeup artist Mad Sandhu shot dead in Amritsar; Police investigates attack

Punjabi influencer and makeup artist Mad Sandhu, whose full name was Madhusudan, was shot dead in Amritsar on Saturday evening. Police said that two unidentified men riding a motorcycle opened fire at him at around 6 pm.

Sandhu was found lying on the road with a gunshot wound. A video showing him injured and lying on the road has since gone viral on social media. He was taken towards the hospital after the attack but died while being transported.

Police Launch Investigation

Police reached the spot soon after the shooting and have started an investigation into the case. Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Sirivennela said that two unidentified men fired at Sandhu around 6 pm before fleeing the area.

The police are working to identify the attackers and establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The motive behind the killing has not been confirmed so far.

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Who was Mad Sandhu?

Mad Sandhu was one of the prominent LGBTQ personalities in the Punjabi region. He openly spoke about his identity and regularly discussed topics including gender, LGBTQ acceptance, social norms, makeup, films and popular culture.

He frequently faced homophobic trolling on social media but continued to speak openly about his life and identity. In response to criticism, Sandhu would often say, “God has made me the way I am.”

From Fashion to Social Media Fame

Sandhu began his professional career in the fashion industry, working as a stylist and assistant costume designer for films in Punjab and Mumbai. He later gained widespread popularity through Instagram reels and viral videos. His content included luxury fashion and makeup looks, lifestyle posts, pop-culture commentary and discussions about social issues. He also appeared as a guest on podcasts, where he spoke about the movie business, makeup and gender-related issues.

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Sandhu also had acting credits in Punjabi cinema, including appearances in the Oye Bhole Oye series. 

Sandhu's killing has once again raised concerns around the safety of social-media personalities and the abuse faced by people who openly express themselves online. However, police have not yet confirmed whether Sandhu's social-media activities or LGBTQ identity were connected to the attack.

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Investigation Continues

The investigation into Sandhu's death is currently underway. Police are trying to trace the two unidentified attackers and determine the reason behind the shooting. The death has left Sandhu's followers and people from Punjab's fashion, entertainment and social-media communities shocked.

- PTC PUNJABI