Sidhu Moose Wala Murder Accused Pawan Bishnoi and Jagtar Singh Get Bail

Nearly four years after the killing of Punjabi singer and rapper Sidhu Moose Wala, the case has taken a new legal turn with the country's top court granting bail to two of the accused.

Supreme Court grants bail to two accused

The Supreme Court of India has granted bail to Pawan Bishnoi and Jagtar Singh, both named in the chargesheet in connection with the 2022 murder of the popular Punjabi artist. The decision comes after the two men spent more than three years in custody while the trial in the case moved slowly through the judicial system.

The court noted that prolonged incarceration without significant progress in the trial was a key factor in granting bail. The order, however, does not amount to an acquittal, and both accused will continue to face trial in the case.

The day Sidhu Moose Wala was killed

Sidhu Moose Wala, whose real name was Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu, was shot dead on May 29, 2022 in Punjab's Mansa district. The singer was travelling in his SUV near Jawaharke village when gunmen opened fire in a daylight ambush. Investigators said the attackers fired multiple rounds at the vehicle, leaving the 28-year-old artist fatally injured.

Two other people travelling with him were wounded in the attack. The killing shocked fans across India and abroad, as Moose Wala had become one of the most influential figures in Punjabi music with songs such as "295".

Gang rivalry and criminal network

Soon after the killing, Canada-based gangster Goldy Brar claimed responsibility for the attack. Authorities linked the murder to the criminal network associated with jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, citing an ongoing rivalry among gang groups in Punjab.

Investigators alleged that several individuals were involved in planning and carrying out the shooting. Over time, the probe expanded into a large case involving more than two dozen suspects, including alleged shooters, planners and logistics providers.

Long investigation and pending trial

Police arrested multiple accused in the months following the murder, while others were tracked across states and abroad. The investigation eventually led to a chargesheet naming several individuals under serious offences including murder and criminal conspiracy.

Despite the progress in arrests and evidence collection, the trial has been slow, prompting some of the accused to approach the top court for relief on the grounds of extended pre-trial detention.

Case still far from over

The bail granted to Pawan Bishnoi and Jagtar Singh is expected to bring renewed attention to the case, which continues to draw public interest. The family of Sidhu Moose Wala has repeatedly demanded swift justice and a speedy trial.