LGBTQ influencer killing sparks law-and-order row in Punjab; BJP, Congress target AAP government
The killing of social media influencer and makeup artist Mad Sandhu in Amritsar has triggered a fresh political confrontation in Punjab, with the BJP and Congress accusing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government of failing to maintain law and order in the state.
Sandhu, a prominent LGBTQ activist with more than 2.2 lakh followers on Instagram, was shot dead by two unidentified men riding a motorcycle in Amritsar on Saturday.
The motive behind the attack has not yet been established.
BJP attacks Bhagwant Mann government
BJP MP Tarun Chugh described the killing as "extremely tragic and heart-wrenching" and accused the AAP government of failing to contain criminal activity.
He alleged that an atmosphere of fear has spread across Punjab, claiming that murders and gang-related crimes have become a recurring concern in the state.
Chugh said the people of Punjab would hold the government accountable for what he described as a deterioration in law and order.
अमृतसर में दिनदहाड़े मैड संधू की गोली मारकर हत्या बेहद दुखद और हृदयविदारक है। इस घटना ने 'आप' सरकार की पोल फिर से खोल दी है और यह साबित कर दिया है कि पंजाब को अपराधियों एवं माफियाओं के हवाले कर दिया गया है, जहाँ पंजाब का युवा सुरक्षित नहीं है और पूरे राज्य में डर व दहशत का माहौल है, आए दिन हत्याएं हो रही हैं! हमारे खुशहाल पंजाब को गुरु-दोखी @BhagwantMann ने अपनी सियासी विफलता से पंजाब को 'क्राइम कैपिटल' बना दिया है। जनता इस अराजकता का हिसाब ज़रूर लेगी!
— Tarun Chugh (@tarunchughbjp) October 3, 2026
Delhi BJP leader and minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa also alleged that the state's law-and-order machinery had broken down.
He claimed that gangs involved in extortion, organised crime and the drug trade were operating across Punjab and cited Sandhu's killing as another example of the security concerns facing the state.
Congress questions government response
Congress leader Raj Kumar Verka also targeted the AAP government, alleging that law and order had "completely collapsed" in Punjab.
Verka said an atmosphere of fear prevailed in the state and questioned the government's response to the killing.
He also criticised Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal for not publicly commenting on the incident at the time of his statement.
Sandhu had faced online backlash
Sandhu regularly discussed gender issues and makeup artistry through podcasts and social media platforms.
His content and fashion choices had also attracted criticism and backlash online.
A few months ago, a Nihang Sikh had reportedly objected to Sandhu's social media content and clothing, arguing that his videos could have a negative influence on young people.
Sandhu had also appeared in the Punjabi film Oye Bole Oye.
Motive yet to be established
Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting and the motive remains unclear.
The killing has meanwhile added to the Opposition's broader criticism of the Punjab government's handling of law and order, particularly issues involving drugs, organised crime and extortion in the border state.
The political parties' allegations come as investigators continue to establish who carried out the attack and why Sandhu was targeted.
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