Archive · 5 Oct 2026
Mad Sandhu Killed in Amritsar; Police Probe Planned Attack
Madhusudan Sandhu, who was known online as Mad Sandhu, was a makeup artist and social media influencer in Punjab.
He was also known as an LGBTQ personality.
On Saturday, October 3, two men on a motorcycle shot him near a car wash in Amritsar.
Police say the men may have followed him before the shooting.
Reports disagree about whether he died on the way to the hospital or after arriving there.
His family said he had received threats and had asked police for protection.
Two people claiming to be gangsters each said online that they were responsible, but police have not confirmed either claim.
Police are investigating who carried out the attack and why.
Sandhu’s family held his cremation on Sunday.
Punjabi influencer and makeup artist Madhusudan Sandhu, known as Mad Sandhu, was shot dead on October 3 in Amritsar.
Police said two men on a motorcycle followed him to a car-washing point on Loharka Road and opened fire; reports say two to three shots were fired.
Accounts differ on whether Sandhu died while being taken to hospital or after reaching a private hospital.
Police suspect the attackers may have tracked him and are investigating the motive, possible planners and any wider conspiracy; no arrests or confirmed motive are reported.
His family said he had faced online abuse and threats and sought police protection; two alleged gangsters separately claimed responsibility online, but police have not verified either claim.
- Who
- Madhusudan Sandhu, known as Mad Sandhu, was shot by two unidentified motorcycle-borne assailants.
- What
- Sandhu was fatally shot; police are investigating a possible planned attack and wider conspiracy.
- When
- Around 6 p.m. on Saturday, October 3, 2026; he was cremated on Sunday.
- Where
- At a car-washing point on Loharka Road in Amritsar, Punjab, India.
- Why
- Police have not established a motive. They are investigating possible targeting, threats and competing online claims of responsibility.
Claims of Responsibility
Unverified by Police
Who claimed responsibility
Claims of Responsibility
Goldy Dhillon claimed responsibility in a social media post and alleged Sandhu was promoting harmful content.
Unverified by Police
Lucky Johal separately disputed Dhillon’s claim and said he was responsible, describing the killing as an effort to protect Punjab’s culture and environment. Police have not established the veracity of either claim.
Motive and planning
Claims of Responsibility
Police said preliminary findings suggest Sandhu was followed before the shooting and are investigating a possible planned attack and conspiracy. His family also said he had faced threats and sought protection.
Unverified by Police
Police have not confirmed the motive, the alleged planners or any link between prior threats and the killing; investigators are examining these possibilities.
- Victim
- Madhusudan Sandhu, popularly known as Mad Sandhu
- Occupation
- Punjabi social media influencer and makeup artist; he also established a salon and makeup business in Amritsar.
- Attack
- Police said two unidentified men on a motorcycle followed Sandhu and opened fire; reports say two to three rounds were fired.
- Location and time
- Near a car-washing point on Loharka Road, Amritsar, at around 6 p.m. on October 3, 2026.
- Death and funeral
- Reports differ on whether he died during transport or at a private hospital. His family cremated him on Sunday after a post-mortem examination.
- Family's account
- His father said Sandhu had received threats, including online hostility, and had approached police seeking protection.
- Investigation
- Police said they had leads and were investigating the shooters, possible planners and motive. They have not verified competing online claims of responsibility.
- Reported career opportunity
- His father and others said Sandhu was preparing to enter Bigg Boss as a wildcard contestant later in October.
Sources
Mad Sandhu murder: Punjabi influencer was set to enter Bigg Boss, says father
Punjabi LGBTQ influencer and makeup artist Mad Sandhu shot dead in Amritsar
Mad Sandhu Killing: Attackers Chased Him Before Shooting, Police Probe Possible Conspiracy
Punjabi Influencer Mad Sandhu Shot Dead by Bike-Borne Assailants in Amritsar
LGBTQ influencer and makeup artist Madhu Sudan shot dead in Amritsar
