Mad Sandhu killing: vanishing social media posts and Punjab’s queer history
The murder of LGBTQA+ influencer Mad Sandhu in Amritsar has sparked concerns regarding the safety of queer individuals in Punjab and the rise of online hate speech. The incident has prompted discussions on the historical roots of queer identity in Punjabi culture and the lack of specific legal protections for the community.
Why it matters
This case highlights the intersection of rising digital radicalization and the physical vulnerability of marginalized communities in India, raising questions about the efficacy of current legal frameworks in protecting queer citizens.
The busy commercial-cum-residential lane on Loharka Road in Amritsar now bears witness to the stains of violence towards vulnerable communities on Punjab’s soil. LGBTQA+ influencer and makeup artist Mad Sandhu (officially named Madhusudan) was shot dead by unidentified bike-borne men on Saturday evening.
A day after the killing, news reports stated that posts on social media accounts claimed responsibility for Sandhu’s murder. Ironically, these posts are nowhere to be found now. One such claim was attributed to a post by a social media handle named Goldy Dhillon.
With speculations rife and police investigations under way, Sikh radical groups have also come under the radar following the news of a three-month-old audio-video clip allegedly featuring a confrontation between Sandhu and Nihang jathedar Manpreet Singh Khalsa.
Also covering this story
2 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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