Two Detained in Mad Sandhu Murder as Amritsar Police Suspect Contract Killingਮੈਡ ਸੰਧੂ ਕਤਲ: ਦੋ ਹਿਰਾਸਤ ਵਿੱਚ, ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤਸਰ ਪੁਲਿਸ ਨੂੰ ਸੁਪਾਰੀ ਕਤਲ ਦਾ ਸ਼ੱਕ

Amritsar police have detained two people in the murder of LGBTQ activist and makeup artist Mad Sandhu and are now investigating whether he was killed in a contract killing, Police Commissioner Harmanbir Singh Gill said at a press conference on Wednesday, October 7. Gill called it a "major breakthrough" but did not name the two men, saying details were being held back so the investigation is not affected.

What did the police commissioner say?

Gill said investigators are examining whether the shooters were paid to carry out the killing and, if so, who hired them. The initial inquiry points to criminal elements acting for money, he said, though police are looking at every angle before reaching a conclusion. He said teams are working to trace the main shooters as well as anyone who planned or helped carry out the attack.

Asked about an extremist or organised-group angle, the commissioner said no involvement of any extremist organisation has surfaced so far. Police are looking at a possible criminal conspiracy in which professional criminals may have been hired. He asked the media and public to wait 24 hours, saying more details could follow.

What happened to Mad Sandhu?

Madhusudan Sandhu, known as Mad Sandhu, was shot dead on Loharka Road in Amritsar on Saturday, October 3, by two men on a motorcycle while he was on his way to collect his vehicle from a car wash. Jugti reported on the killing when it happened.

Sandhu was one of the better-known LGBTQ faces in Punjab. He often appeared as a podcast guest to talk about makeup, the film industry and gender issues, and he spoke openly about being gay. Faced with homophobic abuse online, he would often answer that "God has made me the way I am".

What about the claim of responsibility?

After the killing, a post from a social media handle identified as "Goldy Dhillon" claimed responsibility and accused Sandhu of having "spoilt" Punjab. Police have said they are examining whether the post is genuine, and Jugti has covered the claim separately. No police statement so far links the two detained men to that handle.

What happens next?

The two men are being questioned, and no arrests or charges have been announced. Police say they are trying to identify the shooters and the person or people who allegedly ordered the killing. The commissioner has indicated that further disclosures could come within a day.

Who has police detained in the Mad Sandhu murder case?

Two people, whose names have not been made public. Police say they were detained for questioning and have not announced any arrests.

Do police suspect a contract killing?

Yes. Commissioner Harmanbir Singh Gill said investigators are probing whether hired shooters carried out the killing for money and who may have hired them.

Is there an extremist angle in the case?

Not so far. The police commissioner said no involvement of any extremist organisation has emerged and that the focus is a possible criminal conspiracy.