NEW DELHI: India’s popular Punjabi singer-actor Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu, known as Sidhu Moosewala, was shot dead on Sunday at the state’s Jahawarke village in Mansa district, reports said.

Punjab DGP V.K. Bhawra said the murder appeared to be linked to an old gang rivalry. Mr Moosewala has acted in Punjabi movies as a muscular gun-wielding hero. He is also popular as a singer.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said: “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 to everyone to stay calm.”

Reports quoted police as saying Mr Moosewala was seriously injured after unidentified persons opened fire at him. He was among several whose security was reduced by the Punjab Police a day ago. He had four police gunmen out of which two were withdrawn.

Mr Bhawra said the singer told his police guards to stay home when he stepped out leaving his bullet proof car behind.

Mr Moosewala, who had been surrounded in controversies for allegedly promoting ‘gun culture’ and violence in his songs, had contested 2022 Assembly elections as the Congress party candidate from Mansa constituency.

Mr Moosewala had been booked in multiple cases by Punjab Police for glorifying gun culture under different sections of the Indian Penal Code and also under the Arms Act.

The Punjab Police had withdrawn/reduced security of as many 424 people, including current and former legislators, religious sect heads, and police officers.

Published in Dawn, May 30th, 2022