Punjabi influencer and makeup artist Mad Sandhu was shot dead by two men on a bike in Amritsar on Saturday. He was found lying on the road, blood-soaked, after sustaining a gunshot wound. A video showing him on the road has gone viral on social media.
Police reached the spot and have launched an investigation into the shooting. This came a day after a similar murder was committed in Ludhiana too. Sandhu, whose full first name was Madhusudan, reportedly died while being taken to the hospital. Sandhu, who often appeared in podcasts as a guest to talk about makeup, the movie business, and gender issues, constantly faced homophobic trolling on social media. Though not a lot is known about his family specifically, Sandhu started his professional career in the fashion industry as a stylist and assistant costume designer in films in Punjab and Mumbai. He gained massive popularity through Instagram reels and viral videos, sharing luxury look tips, lifestyle content, and open commentary on social norms, LGBTQ+ acceptance, and pop culture. He had acting roles in some Punjabi films, such as the ‘Oye Bhole Oye’ series.
“Two unidentified men fired at him around 6 pm,” said Sirivennela, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police. He hit back by saying, “God had made me the way I am”, and did not hide his being gay.
In Ludhiana the previous night, a man was killed after unidentified assailants opened indiscriminate fire at his car in Mullanpur. The incident took place when a white Hyundai i20 carrying two young men was travelling from Khanjarwal village towards Majri. The driver, identified as Ladi Khan of Bhundri village, sustained multiple bullet injuries and died in the attack. The other man, Rohit alias Billa of Majri, reportedly fled from the spot during the firing and escaped unharmed. The motive behind the killing has not yet been established. Police are investigating multiple angles, including old enmity, a personal dispute, and possible gang rivalry. (With inputs from Kunwar Sharma from Ludhiana)
The attackers, who were travelling in a Hyundai Verna, followed the i20 and opened fire, according to the preliminary police investigation.
