Full Breakdown
Shooter Arrested in Murder of Punjabi Influencer Mad Sandhu
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Arrest of Main Accused
On October 8, 2026, the Ahmedabad Crime Branch announced the arrest of Parminder Kaka (also known as Parminder Prasad) for the killing of Punjabi influencer Mad Sandhu. Police identified Kaka as the shooter who fired the fatal rounds and arranged the motorcycle used in the October 3, 2026 attack on Amritsar’s Loharka Road.
Background & Context
Madhusudan Sandhu, known as “Mad Sandhu,” was a makeup-artist influencer with roughly 2.3 lakh Instagram followers. He posted videos on makeup, Punjabi cinema and gender issues and was openly LGBTQ-affirming, drawing both fans and online trolling. On the evening of October 3, 2026, Sandhu stopped at a car-washing point on Loharka Road when two men on a motorcycle opened fire, striking him with multiple rounds. He died en route to the hospital and was cremated the next day.
Key Figures & Groups
- Madhusudan Sandhu (Mad Sandhu) – influencer, makeup artist, LGBTQ activist; son of a retired Punjab Police officer.
- Parminder Kaka / Parminder Prasad – accused shooter; resident of Lohian Khas, Jalandhar Rural.
- Goldy Dhillon – gangster whose network is alleged to have orchestrated the murder; a social-media post attributed to him claimed responsibility.
- Ajit Rajian – Deputy Commissioner of Police, Crime, Ahmedabad; provided details on Kaka’s role.
- Harmanbir Singh Gill – Amritsar Police Commissioner; noted Sandhu had been under surveillance before the attack.
Timeline
- October 3, 2026 – Sandhu is shot dead on Loharka Road, Amritsar.
- October 8, 2026 – Ahmedabad Crime Branch arrests Parminder Kaka; police plan a press conference for further details.
Data & Statistics
- Instagram followers: approximately 2.3 lakh.
- Accused arrested: some outlets list six individuals (including Amandeep Singh, Paramvir Singh, Baljinder Singh alias Lali, Balraj Singh alias Bunty, Vikas Singh), while others mention only Kaka.
- Weapons recovered: .30-bore handguns and two empty shells were retrieved from the scene.
Official Statements & Responses
Deputy Commissioner Ajit Rajian said, “His role is that of the shooter. He did the firing and also arranged the bike,” confirming Kaka’s direct involvement. Amritsar Police Commissioner Harmanbir Singh Gill said preliminary investigations indicated Sandhu had been under surveillance, with assailants tracking his movements at a local Starbucks and nearby tea stalls before the attack. Punjab and Gujarat police described the operation as a joint effort, emphasizing coordination between state forces to apprehend the suspect who had fled to Ahmedabad.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Number of accused: The Hindu and Hindustan Times focus on a single arrest, whereas Indian Express, Tribune India and other sources list six individuals arrested in total.
- Gang attribution: Some reports link the murder to Goldy Dhillon’s network, while Tribune India cites the “Jagga gang of Tarn Taran.” Both claims are under investigation, with no legal conclusion reached.
- Surveillance details: Police assert Sandhu was monitored, but the exact methods and duration remain unspecified.
What’s Next
Police have indicated that a press conference in Ahmedabad will disclose further investigative findings, including any additional links to organized-crime networks and the roles of other arrested individuals. The case remains open under Sections 103 and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and relevant provisions of the Arms Act.