Sidhu Moose Wala's killing sends shock waves across Punjab; Congress, BJP target AAP govt

Popular Punjabi singer and Congress leader Sidhu Moose Wala was shot dead by unidentified assailants on Sunday evening, sending shock waves across the state. The attack came a day after the Aam Admi Party-led government withdrew Sidhu's security cover.

Sidhu was travelling in his jeep along with two others at village Jawahar Ke when he was attacked. Deputy Superintendent of Police (Mansa) Gobinder Singhsaid Sidhu was hit by several bullets.

All the three were rushed to the Mansa hospital where Sidhu was declared brought dead.

Police have recovered bullets from three AK- 94 rifles have been found at the crime spot.

Reports quoting sources claimed that a Canada-based gangster, identified as Goldy Brar, has claimed responsibility for the murder.

Police have detained some persons in Bathinda over their alleged links with Goldy Brar and Lawrence Bishnoi gang and suspicion of their involvement in Sidhu's murder, reported The Tribune.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann expressed shock over the incident and promised that the culprits will not be spared.

"I am Shocked and Deeply saddened by the gruesome murder of Siddhu Moosewala. Nobody involved will be spared. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and his fans across the world. I appeal everyone to stay calm," he tweeted.

However, the murder in the broad day light triggered a political blame game with the opposition Congress targeting the government over the law and order situation in the state and demanding resignation of the chief minister.

"Murder of a promising youngster Sidhu Moosewala exposes law & order situation of Punjab. CM @BhagwantMann should immediately resign as he holds charge of the home department and an explanation is needed on what basis his security was withdrawn yesterday just one day before the attack," Leader of Opposition in Punjab Assembly, Partap Singh Bajwa tweeted.

Bajwa called it a “political murder” and said he will not rest till the culprits are put behind the bars.

"I will be going to his village to meet his family tomorrow and we won't rest till those behind this political murder are not caught and put behind the bars," he said.

The singer had joined the Congress party in December last year ahead of the Punjab Assembly elections. He had fought on the Congress ticket from Mansa assembly seat in the recent assembly election and was defeated by AAP's Dr Vijay Singla.

On Saturday, the Punjab Police had ordered the withdrawal of security of 424 people, including former MLAs, Jathedars of two Takhts, heads of Deras, and police officers.

BJP leader Amit Malviya questioned if the AAP was not aware of the possible threats of withdrawing Sidhu's security.

"Punjab is up in flames! Is popular singer Sidhu Moosewala's cold-blooded murder the change AAP promised? Arvind Kejriwal and Raghav Chaddha, who run Punjab by proxy, must be held accountable for this murder. Did they not know of the threat before withdrawing his security?" he asked.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jairam Thakur also questioned the withdrawal of Sidhu's security and said the law and order system of the AAP government was a complete failure.

“The removal of Sidhu Moosewala's security by the AAP government of Punjab is unfortunate, I strongly condemn it. Today, if anyone is responsible for this murder, then it is believed to be the AAP government of Punjab. There should be a fair investigation into this incident," Thakur said.

Former chief minister Capt. Amarinder Singh, too, slammed the Mann government, saying law and order has completely collapsed in Punjab.

“Criminals have no fear of law. AAP Punjab government has miserably failed. Nobody is safe in Punjab!," he tweeted.

AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal took to Twitter and said the culprits will be given the harshest punishment.

"The murder of Sidhu Moosewala is very sad and shocking. I just spoke to Punjab CM Mann Sahib. The culprits will be given the harshest punishment. I request everyone to keep calm and maintain peace. May God rest his soul," Kejriwal tweeted.

Sidhu, whose real name was Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu, was widely known for his gangster raps.