Gay Punjabi influencer and activist Mad Sandhu was shot dead in Amritsar, India, earlier this month. A key suspect has now been arrested in connection with the murder, as the investigation into the conspiracy behind the killing progresses.

Mad Sandhu was a prominent influencer and makeup artist and a famous figure in the Punjabi-language creator scene. Openly out as gay, he often appeared in podcasts discussing entertainment and gender issues, having become a well-known activist in the region. He also faced constant homophobic harassment on social media. 

On October 3, two men on a motorbike shot him while he was walking on the street in Amritsar. He was later found dead lying on the road. 

Soon after the killing, a Facebook account under the name ‘Goldy Dhillon’ shared a post claiming responsibility for Sandhu’s death, stating that the influencer has “spoilt” Punjab. The claim has not been confirmed by authorities.

An investigation into the murder was launched, with eight suspects having already been arrested. Police suggested that it may have been a targeted attack, as Sandhu had been followed prior to the shooting. 

In a major breakthrough in the investigation, Punjab Police’s Counter Intelligence wing in Jalandhar, in coordination with the Mumbai Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), has now arrested key suspect Jobanpreet from Mumbai. They also recovered three guns, five magazines and 11 cartridges that were in his possession.

Preliminary investigation into the suspect revealed that Jobanpreet played a key role in the movement of weapons, financing and logistical support to the shooters at the behest of foreign-based handlers.

According to authorities, Jobanpreet was also involved in three separate firing incidents linked to extortion in the Tarn Taran district. Police are now focusing the investigation on the wider network behind the murder, trying to identify the people responsible for arranging weapons, financing the operation and facilitating the shooters.