Amritsar: In a startling revelation following the fatal shooting of 29-year-old social media influencer Mad Sandhu in Amritsar, close associates have revealed that the creator was scheduled to enter the television reality show Bigg Boss.
According to Sandhu's friend Kunwar Singh, the influencer had finalized paperwork and signed contracts to enter the reality show house on October 29 as a contestant. The news was kept confidential pending the official network announcement.
Defending his late friend against widespread social media characterization, Kunwar noted that Sandhu was actively involved in social service, regularly serving community langar, organizing water stalls (chabeel), and assisting affected families during the recent floods in Punjab.
The Attack at Loharka Road
The shooting occurred on Saturday evening on Loharka Road, within Amritsar's Ranjit Avenue area. Sandhu, the son of a retired Punjab Police Sub-Inspector, had dropped off his vehicle at a local car wash. According to eyewitness accounts, Sandhu returned with two female acquaintances to pick up the vehicle when two assailants arrived on a motorcycle.
One suspect stayed on the bike while the shooter stepped forward, firing four to five rounds at close range. Sandhu sustained three bullet injuries, two of which passed straight through. Sandhu was rushed to a nearby private hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
Amritsar Police Commissioner Harmanbir Singh Gill stated that law enforcement has secured concrete leads regarding the shooters and multiple special teams have been formed to track down the assailants.
Two Gangs Claim Responsibility, Issue Fresh Threats
The murder has seen dual claims of responsibility on social media from gangster syndicates, along with an explicit threat targeting fellow Punjab creator Arupreet.
Gangster Goldy Dhillon, alongside Jagga Tarn Taran, initially issued an online claim, alleging that Sandhu was "ruining the youth" with weapon display and objectionable content, while cautioning educational institutions and promoters against engaging similar creators.
Subsequently, Spain-based gangster Lucky Johal claimed responsibility for orchestrating the hit, stating it was done without financial motive over allegations that Sandhu was negatively influencing the state's cultural fabric. Johal issued a direct warning to creator Arupreet, stating, "Next in line is Arupreet; he should keep his preparations ready."
Known for his outspoken persona and bold styling, Sandhu frequently drew criticism and warnings from traditional groups and Nihang bodies who argued his online sketches clashed with local ethos. Despite online backlash, his digital popularity previously earned him a role in the Punjabi feature film Oye Bhole Oye. Hours before the fatal attack, Sandhu had shared what would be his final Instagram reel set to singer G Khan’s track.
Punjab Police have heightened vigilance around targeted creators as investigations into the interstate and overseas gangster links progress.
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