Growing Outcry in Punjab as Influencer Murder Sparks Law and Order Debate

The brutal daylight murder of social media influencer Mad Sandhu in Amritsar has triggered a sharp political backlash against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab. With rising concerns over the safety of public figures and civilians alike, opposition leaders are questioning the efficacy of the state’s security apparatus in the face of what they describe as a “mafia-controlled” environment.

A Targeted Attack in Broad Daylight

Mad Sandhu, a popular digital creator and fashion stylist known for his advocacy regarding LGBTQ+ and gender issues, was killed on Loharka Road in Amritsar. Witnesses reported that two unidentified assailants on a motorcycle approached the victim around 6:00 PM while he was at a car-wash facility. The attackers fired multiple shots at close range before fleeing the scene. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, Sandhu succumbed to his injuries.

Amritsar Police officials, including Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP) Siri Vennela, confirmed that an investigation is underway. DCP PS Virk noted that specialized teams have been mobilized to track the perpetrators, though no arrests have been made and the motive remains under investigation. Sandhu, who commanded a following of over 2.26 lakh on Instagram, was a prominent voice in the Punjabi entertainment industry who often spoke openly about the systemic challenges faced by marginalized communities.

Political Opposition Slams Government

The killing has become a flashpoint for political criticism, with leaders accusing the state administration of losing control over the law and order situation. Manjinder Singh Sirsa did not mince words, claiming that the state has been effectively surrendered to various mafia syndicates. “There is no law and order in Punjab. The state is being run by extortion gangs, the drug mafia, and criminal syndicates under the current government,” Sirsa asserted.

Congress MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla echoed these sentiments, highlighting that the murder of Sandhu, occurring alongside the killing of a local sarpanch, signals a total collapse of administrative authority. “It is deeply distressing to see such brazen acts of violence. Businessmen, shopkeepers, and ordinary residents are living in constant fear, receiving threat calls and being subjected to extortion,” Aujla stated. He further questioned whether the Chief Minister and the state police force remain cognizant of the deteriorating climate or are merely ignoring the reality on the ground.

A Pattern of Violence Against Creators

The murder of Mad Sandhu is the latest in a series of disturbing incidents involving social media personalities in the region. The state has witnessed several high-profile attacks on digital creators over the past year, leading to a climate of anxiety within the creator community. Notable recent cases include the tragic death of Kharar-based influencer Manjeet Kaur, who was allegedly abducted and set on fire in August, and the murder of Ludhiana-based creator Kanchan Kumari, known popularly as Kamal Kaur Bhabhi, in June 2025.

As the police continue their search for the individuals responsible for the Amritsar shooting, the public and political pressure on the state government to demonstrate accountability and restore security is mounting. For now, the loss of a prominent voice like Sandhu—who often used his platform to advocate for self-acceptance—has left many questioning the safety of those who dare to challenge societal norms in Punjab.

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