Punjabi LGBTQ social media influencer and makeup artist Madhusudan “Mad” Sandhu was shot dead in Amritsar on Saturday, with police investigating the killing and saying they have leads in the case.
Sandhu, who had more than 200,000 followers on Instagram, was reportedly attacked by two unidentified men on a motorcycle around 6pm on Loharka Road.
According to police, Sandhu was waiting outside a car wash centre for his vehicle when the assailants opened fire before fleeing the scene.
Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Sirivennela said two unidentified men were involved in the shooting. Police said around two to three rounds were fired.
Sandhu was taken to a private hospital but died from his injuries.
Deputy Commissioner of Police, Investigation, Amritsar Commissionerate, Prabhjot Singh Virk said the investigation was at an early stage.
“We have leads and will solve the case very soon.”
Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR), recorded statements from Sandhu’s family and begun investigating the circumstances surrounding the killing.
The motive has not yet been established.
Sandhu, who was around 30, had spoken publicly for years about facing homophobic abuse and criticism because of his sexuality and appearance.
In a 2021 motivational video, he spoke about growing up in a conservative environment and learning to deal with negative comments about his identity.
“I ignored the negative comments and kept the positive ones in my mind.”
He also spoke about growing up in a hyper-masculine environment and the difficulties he experienced as a young man who was interested in makeup, fashion and performing.
Sandhu recalled that his mother supported his interests from childhood, including when he enjoyed wearing traditionally feminine clothing and participating in school performances.
He later trained as a stylist and worked in the Punjabi and Mumbai entertainment industries, including as a stylist and assistant costume designer. He also had acting roles in Punjabi productions and established a unisex salon and beauty academies in Amritsar.
His social media presence grew substantially, with Sandhu posting makeup tutorials, vlogs, fashion content and commentary.
However, his online popularity also brought sustained criticism and homophobic trolling.
In one motivational talk, he encouraged young people to accept themselves and not allow social pressure to determine their lives.
“Life is very short. You don’t live again and again. Accept yourself for what God has made you.”
As per Indian media, sSeveral months before his death, an audio and video recording circulated online showing a confrontation between Sandhu and a Nihang Sikh group leader who objected to some of Sandhu’s social media content.
The man reportedly accused Sandhu’s videos of negatively influencing young people and objected to his mannerisms and appearance.
Sandhu responded that he could not change who he was.
“God has made me the way He has. What can I do about that?” he said during the exchange.
Sandhu later issued a public clarification, saying he had changed his content style and had stopped repeating what he described as past mistakes.
Police have not publicly linked that confrontation to Sandhu’s killing.
Local Indian media also reported that a social media account using the name “Goldy Dhillon” also appeared to claim responsibility for the killing and accused Sandhu of having “spoilt” Punjab. Police have said the post is being examined as part of the investigation and have not confirmed its authenticity or identified its author.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances and motive behind the shooting.
Support our Journalism
No-nonsense journalism. No paywalls. Whether you’re in Australia, the UK, Canada, the USA, or India, you can support The Australia Today by taking a paid subscription via Patreon or donating via PayPal — and help keep honest, fearless journalism alive.
