Hours after Sidhu Moose Wala, Congress leader and Punjabi singer, was shot dead in Mansa district today, Punjab police said that the attack seemed to be due to a gang-war.
Police also said that a Canada-based gangster has claimed responsibility for the attack.
The shocking incident 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 The security cover was withdrawn as a part of Bhagwant Mann government’s exercise to crack down on VIP culture.
“Lawrence Bishnoi gang is involved in this murder. Lucky, member of the gang has taken responsibility from Canada,” Punjab DGP VK Bhawra told the reporters.
“An FIR is being registered. We will take immediate action against the gangster and persons involved,” he said.
The 28-year-old Moose Wala had given several superhit songs in the last few years.
The singer had joined Congress in December last year. In the 2022 Punjab Assembly elections, Sidhu Moose Wala had contested from Mansa on a Congress ticket. He was defeated by Aam Aadmi Party’s Dr Vijay Singla.
After the popular singer’s death, people could be seen shouting slogans against the Punjab government at the Mansa hospital.
The Punjab government, led by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), is being heavily criticised by politicians from across the board for having withdrawn Moose Wala’s security a day ago.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann appealed for calm and said no culprit would be spared. “I am deeply saddened and shocked by the horrific murder of Sidhu Moose Wala..No culprit will be spared..My heartfelt sympathies and prayers are with his family and his fans all over the world..Appeal to all to remain calm,” he tweeted.
Soon after the news of Moose Wala’s death broke, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi tweeted, “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.”
Mansa Senior Superintendent of Police Gaurav Toora said to Indian Express that Moose Wala did not take “the two commandos which were still in his security detail nor the private guards he had engaged, telling them that he was going for a round.”
Aam Aadmi Party’s chief spokesperson Malwinder Singh Kang said that the government will inquire as to how Moose Wala’s bullet-proof car and gunmen stayed at home on the fateful day.
