Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala shot dead, cops say Canada-based gangster claims responsibility

Congress leader and popular Punjabi singer, Sidhu Moose Wala was shot dead in Mansa district on Sunday. The incident of firing, in which two other people were also injured, took place a day after Punjab withdrew the security of 424 people, including Moose Wala.

The security cover was withdrawn as a part of Bhagwant Mann government's exercise to crack down on VIP culture.

Moose Wala and two of his friends were driving in a jeep to the village Jawahar Ke in Punjab, when the incident took place. Moose Wala's SUV was sprayed with bullets and he was found slumped on his seat and bleeding heavily. He was soon rushed to a hospital where doctors declared him brought dead.

Punjab police cited gang-war as the cause of the attack. Police also said that a Canada-based gangster has claimed responsibility for the attack.

"Lawrence Bishnoi gang is involved in this murder. Lucky, a member of the gang has taken responsibility from Canada," Punjab DGP VK Bhawra told the media. He said the name of Moose Wala's manager Shaganpreet had figured in the murder of one Vicky Middukhera last year.

The top police officer said this murder appeared to be in retaliation of Middukhera's murder. Punjab Police has also formed a special investigation team to probe the incident.

The 28-year old Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu, who was popularly known by his stage name Sidhu Moose, belonged to the Moose Wala village near Mansa. He had given several superhit songs in the last few years.

The singer had faced criticism for promoting gun culture in his songs. He had also been booked for allegedly promoting violence through his song ''Sanju''. He was booked under the Arms Act and the Disaster Management Act in Barnala after photographs showing him firing an AK-47 rifle at a firing range during the COVID-19 lockdown appeared on social media.

The singer had joined Congress in December last year and had contested the 2022 Punjab Assembly elections from Mansa. He was defeated by Aam Aadmi Party's Dr Vijay Singla.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said that he was deeply shocked and saddened by the news. "Deeply shocked and saddened by the murder of promising Congress leader and talented artist, Sidhu Moosewala. My heartfelt condolences to his loved ones and fans from across the world," he tweeted.

Congress leader Charan Singh Sapra said the state government and Chief Minister must come clean on what basis Moose Wala's security cover was removed. "The government has to answer," he told NDTV.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday said that those involved in the attack on singer Sidhu Moose Wala won't be spared. The Aam Aadmi Party leader also urged everyone to remain calm.