Amritsar: Punjabi social media influencer, makeup artist and fashion stylist Mad Sandhu was shot dead by two unidentified motorcycle-borne assailants on Loharka Road in Amritsar on Saturday evening.
According to reports, the incident took place around 6 pm when the attackers opened fire at Sandhu and fled the spot. He was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition, where doctors declared him brought dead.
Police have formed multiple teams to investigate the murder. Reports said investigators had obtained crucial leads and expressed confidence that the accused would soon be arrested. The motive behind the attack, however, has not yet been ascertained.
Sandhu had a substantial Instagram following for his distinctive style, often featuring colourful shirts, sunglasses and unique looks.
He spoke about makeup artistry and gender-related issues and had faced criticism and social media backlash over his content and fashion choices. He had also acted in the Punjabi film Oye Bhole Oye.
The killing has also triggered a political reaction. Senior Congress leader Rajkumar Verka criticised the Aam Aadmi Party government, alleging that law and order in Punjab had collapsed.
He said people were living in fear and accused the government of making misleading claims about the situation through advertisements and hoardings.
Verka called on Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal to take responsibility and apologise to the people of Punjab.
