Ahmedabad Crime Branch Arrests Alleged Shooter in Mad Sandhu Murder; Goldy Dhillon Gang Link Under Probe

Parminder Kaka allegedly opened fire on 29-year-old influencer in Amritsar, arranged getaway motorcycle; police probe alleged role of international gang led by Goldy Dhillon

The Detection of Ahmedabad Crime Branch has arrested Parminder Prasad alias Parminder Kaka, allegedly the shooter in the murder of Punjabi social media influencer and makeup artist Madhusudan Sandhu, popularly known as “Mad Sandhu”, in Amritsar on October 3. Police are also probing his alleged links with the international gang network of gangster Goldy Dhillon.

According to Ahmedabad Crime Branch Senior officials, Parminder had a direct role in the killing. “His role is that of the shooter. He did the firing and also arranged the bike,”  further said.

The accused was traced to Ahmedabad following an input from the Amritsar Police. Preliminary information suggests that Parminder had been hiding in hotels in the city after the murder. The Crime Branch subsequently arrested him and is questioning him to establish his precise role and identify other persons involved in the killing.

Alleged Goldy Dhillon Connection

The investigation has also brought the alleged Goldy Dhillon gang connection under the scanner. Police sources have said Parminder was associated with the Goldy Dhillon gang and are probing whether the murder was carried out as part of the gang's international network.

A day after Sandhu's murder, a social media post allegedly attributed to foreign-based gangster Goldy Dhillon and his associate Jagga Tarn Taran claimed responsibility for the killing. The purported post accused Sandhu of “corrupting the younger generation” and issued warnings to other digital creators and those associated with inviting influencers to institutions. The authenticity and circumstances surrounding the post have been subject to police scrutiny.

The alleged gang claim has become one of the angles being examined by investigators. Police are also looking into the involvement of other members of the network and the circumstances in which the alleged shooters were selected and provided logistical support.

Sandhu Shot Dead on Loharka Road

Sandhu, 29, was shot dead on Loharka Road in Amritsar on October 3. According to reports, he had left his car at a washing centre and was waiting nearby when two motorcycle-borne men allegedly approached him and opened fire. He sustained multiple bullet injuries and died while being taken to hospital.

Sandhu was a prominent Punjabi influencer, makeup artist and LGBTQ activist with more than two lakh followers on Instagram. He regularly appeared on podcasts and digital platforms, where he spoke about make-up, the film industry, gender issues and self-expression. He had also acted in the Punjabi film Oye Bhole Oye.

Earlier Controversy Also Being Examined

Investigators are examining multiple possible angles in the murder. Sandhu had recently been involved in a controversy over some of his social-media content, clothing and older videos after objections were raised by a Nihang jathedar. Sandhu had subsequently said that he had changed and stopped repeating what he described as past mistakes. Police have been examining whether the controversy had any connection with the killing.

An FIR has been registered under Section 103 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita at Cantonment Police Station in Amritsar.

The Ahmedabad Crime Branch is coordinating with Punjab Police in the case. Investigators are now expected to establish the chain of events leading to the killing, trace the second assailant, examine the alleged Goldy Dhillon gang link and determine the motive behind the targeted attack.