Two men fired at 30‑year‑old LGBTQ influencer Mad Sandhu around 6 p.m. on Saturday, shooting him dead outside his salon in Amritsar's Jaranwala market. Witnesses heard a gunshot and saw the victim collapse on the pavement, prompting a swift police response.
The victim was a prominent Instagram personality, known as Mad Sandhu, who had amassed over 200,000 followers by sharing makeup tutorials, fashion commentary, and candid talks about queer identity in a largely conservative Punjabi context. He had spoken publicly about his struggles as a Jat Sikh and his journey from a traditional upbringing to becoming a celebrated stylist and media personality.
Hours after the shooting, a Facebook post from a handle named Goldy Dhillon claimed responsibility, stating the assailants had “spoilt Punjab.” The post, which echoed calls from a fringe cultural vigilante group, sparked a wave of backlash on Punjabi‑language platforms, with some influencers condemning the act and others expressing sympathy for the alleged “cultural savior.”
Police officials said the post is now under review as part of the murder probe, and the two gunmen remain at large. The Amritsar police have set up a special task force to track the suspects, citing evidence that the attackers used a stolen pistol found at the crime scene.
Amid the investigations, the community mourns the loss of a young voice that had challenged taboos and inspired thousands of followers. His mother, who had publicly supported him since childhood, expressed that she never imagined her son would die in such a brutal way, underscoring the personal tragedy behind a public controversy.