The Supreme Court of India has granted bail to Pawan Bishnoi and Jagtar Singh, two accused in the 2022 murder of Punjabi singer and rapper Sidhu Moose Wala. The decision marks a significant development in the high-profile case that shocked the country nearly four years ago.
Advocate Abhay Kumar, appearing for Pawan Bishnoi, said the allegation against his client was that gangster Goldy Brar had called him to arrange a Bolero vehicle. The vehicle was allegedly used by the shooters in the attack on Moose Wala. Kumar said the prosecution also claimed that Bishnoi was part of the conspiracy, but the Supreme Court has now granted him bail.
Background of the sensational killing
On May 29, 2022, Sidhu Moose Wala, whose real name was Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu, was shot dead in a daylight ambush in Jawaharke village of Punjab’s Mansa district. The attack took place just a day after the state government reduced his security cover. Moose Wala was travelling in his Mahindra Thar SUV with two associates when gunmen opened fire. The 28-year-old singer, known for popular songs such as ‘295’, was hit by 19 bullets and died while being taken to the hospital. His associates survived with injuries.
Soon after the incident, Canada-based gangster Goldy Brar, connected to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, claimed responsibility through social media posts. He said the killing was in retaliation for the 2021 murder of Akali leader Vicky Middukhera, which was allegedly linked to people close to Moose Wala. The case also exposed the larger network of gangster rivalries, extortion threats, and underworld conflicts in Punjab.
Role of the accused and legal journey
Pawan Bishnoi, who is related to jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, and Jagtar Singh were named in the chargesheet as part of the group involved in planning and executing the attack. Investigators alleged that the murder was carried out in a coordinated manner using automatic weapons and detailed surveillance of the victim’s movements. The two were arrested soon after the incident and remained in custody for more than three years during the investigation.
The probe in the case led to the arrest of more than 30 suspects. Authorities also secured the extradition of key accused Sachin Thapan from Azerbaijan. The investigation was marked by several developments, including violence inside jails in which some accused were killed. In 2024, a court in Mansa framed charges under IPC sections related to murder and criminal conspiracy, along with provisions of the Arms Act, against Lawrence Bishnoi and 26 others.
However, the long period of detention and delays in the trial prompted the accused to approach the Supreme Court for bail.
Implications for the ongoing probe and Moose Wala’s legacy
The Supreme Court’s decision to grant bail does not mean the accused have been cleared of the charges. However, it reflects the court’s concern over prolonged imprisonment without a speedy trial in cases involving organised crime and gang networks. The order could also put pressure on investigators to speed up witness examinations and complete the remaining forensic processes.
Sidhu Moose Wala’s family has continued to demand justice in the case. His father, Balkaur Singh, has been actively pursuing the investigation and has testified during the proceedings despite challenges in identifying several accused. The case has highlighted broader issues including alleged security lapses, political connections, and the growing influence of gangster networks in Punjab’s music and entertainment industry. Even years after his death, Moose Wala’s murder remains one of the most talked-about criminal cases in the state.
Also read: Punjab must have zero-tolerance towards gangsters
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