Social media influencer and makeup artist Mad Sandhu was shot in Amritsar on Saturday, prompting a police investigation. Preliminary reports said he died, but his death could not be independently confirmed.
Known for expressing himself unapologetically, LGBTQ influencer Sandhu often spoke openly about his identity and regularly faced homophobic abuse on social media. Despite the trolling, he remained active online and built a significant following, with over 2.26 lakh followers on Instagram. He had also appeared in the Punjabi film Oye Bhole Oye.
Beyond his work as a content creator, Sandhu frequently discussed make-up artistry, self-expression and gender-related issues on podcasts and digital platforms. His fashion choices and content often drew criticism from some social media users, but he continued to engage with his audience and advocate for authenticity.
A social media post purportedly attributed to Goldy Dhillon and Jagga Tarantarn claimed responsibility for the attack. The claim has not been independently verified
The circumstances leading to the shooting, the identities of the assailants and the motive remain unclear. Police are investigating the incident.
FOUND INJURED ON ROAD
Sandhu was found lying on the road after the shooting and rushed to a hospital. A video circulating on social media shows him injured in a pool of blood, with people gathered around him.
Initial information indicated that his condition was critical. Social media reports claimed he died while being taken to hospital, but confirmation was awaited.
POLICE PROBE UNDERWAY
Police reached the spot after receiving information about the shooting and began investigating the attack.
Investigators are expected to examine CCTV footage and record witness statements to establish the sequence of events and identify those responsible.
GOLDY DHILLON REMAINS AT LARGE
Gurpreet Singh alias Goldy Dhillon, a close aide of Goldy Brar, remains at large and is believed to be hiding in the UK after spending several months in Germany, Punjab Police sources said.
A man apprehended in Spain was initially suspected to be Dhillon. However, Madrid police found he was a different person after Punjab Police shared a photograph, the sources added.
Police have linked Dhillon to extortion rackets targeting businessmen in Punjab, Chandigarh and Canada, as well as targeted killings and arms and narcotics trafficking.
They allege that he orchestrated the June 2026 murder of chemist shop cashier Janki Das in Chandigarh’s Sector 11 from abroad through hit squads.
He was also named alongside Goldy Brar in an NIA charge sheet in the 2024 Sector 5 firing case in Chandigarh.
