Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Jawaharke village of Mansa district on Sunday, May 29.
Punjab CM says perpetrators of the heinous crime will be behind the bars soon
Noted Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala, who had joined the Congress before the Punjab elections, was killed by gangsters in an attack near his ancestral village Jawaharke in district Mansa, Punjab on Sunday. The incident happened within 24 hours after his security was withdrawn by the Punjab government. More than 30 rounds were fired on the vehicle he was travelling in. Police said Sidhu appeared to have sustained more than eight bullet injuries and was taken to the Mansa civil hospital where he passed away. The 27 years old was on the radar of gangsters for a long time. Six people have reportedly been detained in connection with the murder. Sidhu’s father has demanded the probe through a sitting judge of the high court, handing over investigations to CBI or NIA. Also demanded to fix the responsibility of officers who leaked letters about the withdrawal of security. Now the CM has agreed to all the demand.
This follows a day after the Punjab Police withdrew security of 424 people, including Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala.
Update (May 30, 11:30 am) | Here’s what we know so far in the case:
Canada-based gangster Goldy Brar has claimed responsibility for Sidhu Moose Wala’s murder. Brar, who has close ties to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, said in a Facebook post that he had killed Moose Wala to avenge the death of gangster Vicky Middukhera.
Punjab Police are in the process of remanding Lawrence Bishnoi, a close associate of Goldy Brar, who is lodged in Tihar Jail number 8. He will be questioned in connection with the shooting.
Based on a complaint by Moose Wala’s father, an FIR has been registered under sections: 302, 307, 341, 148, 149, 427, 120-B of the Indian Penal Code and sections 25 and 27 of the Arms Act.
Sources told India Today that an AN-94 Russian assault rifle (Avtomat Nikonova model of 1994) was used to shoot and kill Sidhu Moose Wala. Moreover, the number plates of the vehicles used in the attack have been found to be fake.
Punjab Director General of Police VK Bhawra Sunday said Sidhu Moose Wala’s murder seemed to be the fallout of an inter-gang rivalry. He added that 30 rounds of bullets were fired at the singer and at least three weapons might have been used in the crime.
Sidhu Moose Wala had contested this year’s Punjab assembly election on a Congress ticket from Mansa and was defeated by AAP candidate Vijay Singla by a huge margin of 63,000 votes. Vijay Singla was recently sacked by Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann over charges of corruption.
Last month, Sidhu Moose Wala had sparked a row after he targeted the Aam Aadmi Party and its supporters in his song ‘Scapegoat’. The singer had called AAP supporters ‘gaddar’ (traitor) in his song.
Condolences pour in for Sidhu Moose Wala
Condoling the Punjabi singer’s death, Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala tweeted, “Deeply shocked at the broad daylight murder of Sidhu Moose Wala. Punjab and Punjabis across the world have lost a talented artist with mass connect, who could feel people’s pulse. My heartfelt condolences to his loved ones and fans across the world.”
Following the incident, BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa demanded an FIR against Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann over “negligence of chief ministerial duties”.
“We have been warning the Punjab Government to pay attention to Punjab’s situation. I demand an FIR against Bhagwant Mann for negligence of his Chief Ministerial duties which has cost the life of Sidhu Moosewala. Bhagwant Mann along with Arvind Kejriwal should be booked,” Manjinder Singh Sirsa said.
Who was Sidhu Moose Wala?
Born on June 17, 1993, Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu aka Sidhu Moose Wala belonged to the Moose Wala village in Mansa district. Moose Wala had a fan following running into millions and was popular for his rap.
Moose Wala held a degree in electrical engineering. He had learned music during his college days and had later moved to Canada.
Sidhu Moose Wala was also known as one of the most controversial Punjabi singers, openly promoting gun culture, glorifying gangsters in provocative songs. His song ‘Jatti Jeonay Morh Di Bandook Wargi’, released in September 2019, kicked off a controversy over a reference to 18th century Sikh warrior Mai Bhago. He was accused of showing this Sikh warrior in a poor light. Moose Wala later apologised.Sidhu Moose Wala
