CHANDIGARH, May 30: A Canada-based gangster has claimed responsibility for
the murder of popular Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala on Sunday, according to
the police, media reports said. Five people have been detained so far in connection
with the shooting of Moose Wala.
"Lawrence Bishnoi gang is involved in this murder. Lucky, 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. Moose Wala's murder appears to be in retaliation
of Middukhera's murder.
A special investigation team is probing the shooting incident.
Congress leader and singer Moose Wala (28) was riddled with two dozen shots
sprayed by unidentified people in Mansa on Sunday. Two other people were injured
in the firing. The incident took place a day after Punjab withdrew the security
cover of several people, including Moose Wala.
Moose Wala, whose real name is Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu, was among 424 people
whose security was withdrawn by the Punjab Police on Saturday as part of the
plan to eliminate the VIP culture.
The attack took place when Moose Wala and two of his friends were driving in
a jeep to his village in Mansa in Punjab. Moose Wala's SUV was sprayed with
bullets. He was taken to a hospital where doctors declared him brought dead.
The 28-year-old belonged to the Moosa village in Mansa and had given several
superhit songs in the last few years.
There were cases against the singer for allegedly promoting violence through
his song ''Sanju''. He was booked under the Arms Act for firing an AK-47 rifle
at a firing range a year ago.
Joining the Congress last December, he had fought on the party ticket from
Mansa Assembly constituency in the recent Assembly election and was defeated
by AAP's Vijay Singla, who became Health Minister in the AAP Government but
was sacked over corruption charges last week.
“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,” Congress leader Rahul Gandhi tweeted.
Congress leader Jaiveer Shergill said Moose Wala was killed in “a shootout.”
“Shocking to hear about death of #sidhumoosewala in a shootout-not sharing the
videos received via WhatsApp due to sensitivity but shot at many times,” he
tweeted.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann also expressed condolences to the family and fans
of Moose Wala. He 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.
