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LGBTQ Influencer Shot Dead in Amritsar
3 Oct
Summary
- Prominent LGBTQ personality Mad Sandhu was shot dead in Amritsar.
- Two unidentified assailants on a motorcycle are responsible for the attack.
- Sandhu was known for his open discussion of gender issues and facing trolling.
Madhusudan Sandhu, widely known as Mad Sandhu and a prominent LGBTQ figure in Punjab, was fatally shot in Amritsar on Saturday evening. The attack, carried out by two unidentified assailants on a motorcycle, occurred around 6 pm. Sandhu, a popular makeup artist and influencer, was found lying on the road with a gunshot wound and succumbed to his injuries while en route to the hospital.
Sandhu, who often appeared on podcasts discussing makeup, the film industry, and gender issues, openly embraced his identity and frequently countered homophobic online comments. He began his career as a stylist and assistant costume designer before gaining significant popularity through Instagram reels and viral videos, sharing lifestyle content and advocating for LGBTQ+ acceptance.
The murder follows a pattern of violence against social media influencers in the region. Last year, a similar incident involved the murder of another influencer in Bathinda, with a radical Sikh vigilante claiming responsibility due to the victim's perceived 'vulgar' videos. More recently, on Friday night, a man was killed in Mullanpur, Ludhiana, after unidentified assailants opened fire on his car, with the motive still under investigation.
Police have reached the scene of Sandhu's shooting and have initiated a comprehensive investigation. Authorities are examining all possible angles related to the attack on the influential personality.
