Social media influencer and makeup artist Mad Sandhu has been shot dead on Loharka Road in Amritsar city of Punjab province in India. He was 29. The incident had happened on Saturday (October 3). 

According to local authorities, Sandhu was struck by three gunshots. Shortly before the attack, he had posted his final Instagram reel using Punjabi singer G Khan's track "Veh Mainu Mahi Mila De..."

Following his death, Sandhu's friend Kunwar Singh revealed that the influencer was finalizing paperwork to enter the reality television show Bigg Boss on October  29. The entry had not yet been announced publicly.

Singh defended Sandhu's reputation, noting his involvement in community service, including organizing free water stalls (chabeel), working in community kitchens (langar), and assisting in local flood relief operations.

Gangster entities, including Goldy Dhillon and Spain-based Lucky Johal, claimed responsibility for the killing online, asserting the attack was carried out to prevent societal disruption in Punjab rather than for monetary gain. Police are currently investigating the claims and the motive.

Sandhu, who operated the Instagram account @its_madsandhuofficial, had over 220,000 followers where he showcased his work as a makeup artist, artist, and entrepreneur.

Sandhu was also a an advocate of LGBTQ Community. He was featured in many podcasts and interviews. 

The local police are investigating the incident but no arrests have been announced yet.

The police sources said that two gunmen came on a motorcycle and shot Sandhu three times. He was taken to a private hospital but the doctors pronounced dead on arrival.

Another influencer and also an advocate of LGBTQ Arupreet also reportedly received threats.