Full Breakdown
Mad Sandhu Murder in Amritsar: Facts, Investigation and Reactions
By Drooid · · How we work
The Shooting Incident
On October 3, 2026, Punjabi makeup artist and social-media influencer Madhusudan Sandhu—known online as Mad Sandhu—was shot on Loharka Road in Amritsar. While waiting for his car to be washed, two men on a motorcycle opened fire at him at approximately 6 p.m. IST. Sandhu sustained two bullet wounds, was taken to a private hospital, and died while en route to treatment. Police recovered two empty shells from the scene and launched a homicide investigation.
Background & Context
Mad Sandhu, a gay man, built a sizable following (? 2.26 lakh Instagram followers) by posting makeup tutorials, fashion content, and commentary on gender and LGBTQ+ issues. His outspoken style attracted frequent homophobic trolling. In July 2026, he was involved in a dispute with Nihang jathedar Manpreet Singh Khalsa, who objected to Sandhu’s clothing, social-media posts and older videos, warning that they could negatively influence Punjab’s youth. Sandhu later said he had changed his behavior and that old videos were being resurfaced to stir controversy. The shooting follows a pattern of violence against online personalities in Punjab, including the 2025 killing of influencer Kanchan Kumari (alias Kanchan Bhabhi) in Bathinda over “immoral” content.
Timeline
- July 2026 – Public disagreement between Mad Sandhu and Nihang jathedar Manpreet Singh Khalsa.
- October 3, 2026 – Shooting on Loharka Road; Sandhu dies en route to hospital.
- After October 3 – Police recover two shells, register an FIR, and begin reviewing CCTV footage.
Data & Statistics
- Followers: ? 226,000 on Instagram.
- Rounds fired: Two to three bullets, according to eyewitnesses and police recovery of shells.
- Previous similar case: One influencer killed in Bathinda in 2025; another in Amritsar in 2024 (Kanchan Kumari).
Official Statements & Responses
Police have not linked the July controversy to the murder and are exploring multiple angles, including personal dispute and gang rivalry.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
A social-media post attributed to self-styled gangster Goldy Dhillon claimed responsibility for the killing, alleging that Sandhu was “misguiding the new generation.” Police have not verified the authenticity of the post and are treating the claim as an allegation pending investigation. No motive has been officially established, and the identities of the assailants remain unknown.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Two unidentified men fired at him around 6 pm,” — Police Sirivennela, additional deputy commissioner
- “Police have solid leads and we will soon nab the culprits and ensure exemplary punishment for them,” — Harmanbir Singh Gill, amritsar police commissioner