Influencer and makeup artist Mad Sandhu shot dead in Amritsar

Punjabi influencer and makeup artist Mad Sandhu was shot dead by two men on a motorcycle in Amritsar on Saturday. Police found him lying on a road in a pool of blood after he suffered a gunshot wound. He reportedly died while people were taking him to a hospital. Sirivennela, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police, stated that two unidentified men fired at Sandhu around 6 pm, and police have launched an investigation into the shooting. Sandhu's full first name was Madhusudan, and he had gained widespread popularity through Instagram reels and viral videos sharing luxury fashion and beauty tips, lifestyle content, and views on pop culture. He also appeared as a guest on podcasts to talk about makeup, the film industry, and gender issues, and acted in several Punjabi films including the 'Oye Bhole Oye' series. Before his social media fame, he worked in the fashion industry as a stylist and assistant costume designer for films in Punjab and Mumbai. As an open gay man, Sandhu frequently faced homophobic trolling on social media. He had responded to this criticism by stating that God made him the way he is, while openly discussing LGBTQ+ acceptance and social norms.

Context

Crimes involving targeted gun violence against public figures and social media creators often spark widespread public debate about personal safety and cyberbullying. The investigation into the Amritsar shooting remains ongoing as police search for the unidentified suspects.