Archive · 7 Oct 2026
Police Probe Contract Killing in Mad Sandhu Shooting
Mad Sandhu, a well-known LGBTQ activist and makeup artist, was shot and killed in Amritsar.
Police are looking into whether someone paid criminals to carry out the attack.
Two people have been detained for questioning, but police have not said whether they were involved.
Investigators are trying to find the shooters and learn who may have arranged the killing.
Police say they have not found an extremist or radical motive so far.
They are keeping some details private while they investigate.
A Facebook account claimed responsibility after the killing, but the investigation is still underway.
Police are investigating whether Mad Sandhu’s killing was a contract attack involving hired criminals or gangster networks.
Amritsar Police Commissioner Harmanveer Singh Gill said two people have been detained for questioning.
Investigators are working to identify the shooters, establish the detainees’ links to the crime, and find any alleged mastermind.
Police said no extremist or radical motive has emerged so far and are withholding sensitive details during the investigation.
Sandhu, a prominent LGBTQ activist and makeup artist, was shot dead by two men on a motorcycle in Amritsar last week.
- Who
- Mad Sandhu, an LGBTQ activist and makeup artist; police have detained two people for questioning.
- What
- Sandhu was shot dead, and police are investigating a possible contract killing.
- When
- Last week; police said they expected more facts to emerge within 24 hours of their statement.
- Where
- Amritsar, Punjab.
- Why
- The motive and who may have arranged the killing are still under investigation.
Police assessment
Claim and unresolved motive
Possible motive and responsibility
Police assessment
Police are focusing on a possible criminal conspiracy involving hired goons and are probing any gangster role; they said no extremist or radical angle has emerged so far.
Claim and unresolved motive
A Facebook account using the name 'Goldy Dhillon' claimed responsibility, but the article does not establish the account holder’s connection to the killing or confirm a motive.
- Victim
- Mad Sandhu, whose full first name was Madhusudan
- Occupation
- LGBTQ activist, influencer, and makeup artist
- Location
- Amritsar
- Detentions
- Two people detained for questioning
- Police lead
- Possible hired criminals and gangster involvement are being investigated
- Radical angle
- Police said no extremist or radical angle had emerged so far
- Claim of responsibility
- A Facebook handle named 'Goldy Dhillon' posted a claim after the killing