Famous Punjabi singer and Congress leader Sidhu Moosewala was shot dead in Mansa district on Sunday (May 29), a day after the Bhagwant Mann-led state government withdrew his security cover. Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu, known as Sidhu Moosewala, was among the 424 people that included former MLAs, two Jathedars of Takht Damdama Sahib and Takht Kesgarh Sahib, heads of Deras and serving and retired cops, whose security was withdrawn on Saturday. Several political leaders express grief at the incident as the Punjab government promised strict action against the culprits.
27-year-old Punjabi singer and Congress leader Sidhu Moosewala was seriously injured after unidentified persons opened fire at him in Punjab's Mansa. Deputy Superintendent of Police (Mansa) Gobinder Singh told news agency PTI that several bullets hit the singer, who was in his jeep at Jawahar Ke village when the attack took place. As per PTI, Mansa civil surgeon Dr Ranjeet Rai told reporters that the singer was brought dead at the civil hospital.
Moosewala had joined the Punjab Congress last year ahead of the state assembly polls.
Pic Courtesy: ANI
"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," Bhagwant Mann tweeted.
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"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 MP Rahul Gandhi wrote on Twitter.
After the news of Moosewala's demise broke, Congress said earlier, "The murder of Sidhu Moose Wala, Congress candidate from Punjab & a talented musician, has come as a terrible shock to Congress party & the entire nation. Our deepest condolences to his family, fans & friends."
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SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal tweeted, "Shocked to learn about the killing of young Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala. My sympathies with his family & friends. Those responsible must be arrested without delay. This exhibits an abject breakdown of law & order in Punjab." He also posted a series of tweets questioning the Punjab government's decision to withdraw the singer's security.
Criticising the Mann-led Punjab government, SAD leader Daljit Singh Cheema said, "Murder of Siddhu Moose Wala has shocked the country. This should be considered a state-sponsored murder. Firstly, the security of 400 people was withdrawn & then their names were published on social media. It's criminal negligence. CM must resign."
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As per ANI, BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa said, "Sidhu Moose Wala was prominent singer. Due to dirty politics of Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann, he was fatally attacked in which he lost his life. Firstly, they withdraw security of people and then publish their names, I warned this can be dangerous."
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Taking to Twitter, Delhi Chief Minister and AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal wrote, "The murder of Sidhu Moosewala is unfortunate. I just spoke to Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann. Perpetrators will be given strict punishment. I urge everyone to maintain calm and peace."