NEW DELHI –
Indian police are investigating the murder of a popular Punjabi rapper who mixes hip-hop, rap and folk music, a day after he was fatally shot, officials said Monday.
Shubhdip Singh Sidhu, known worldwide for his stage name Sidhu Muz Wala, was killed on Sunday night while driving his car in Mansa, a district in the northern Indian state of Punjab. Moose Vala, 28, was rushed to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Punjab Senior Police Officer VK Bhawra said the initial investigation revealed the killing was a rivalry between gangs.
The day before the attack, the Punjab government covered the guards of more than 400 people, including Moose Walla, in an attempt to curb VIP culture, local media reported.
Moose Wala began as a songwriter before the hit song in 2017 catapulted his singing career, making him well known among the Indian and Punjabi diaspora in countries such as the United Kingdom and Canada.
Most of his singles have an English title, although the songs are sung mainly in Punjabi. His sleek music videos were best known for his rap lyrics and often focused on macho culture. His debut album in 2018 was included in the Canadian Billboard Albums.
Moose Wala was a controversial figure, in part because of his lyrical style. In 2020, police accused him under the Indian Weapons Act of allegedly promoting gun culture in one of his songs.
His latest track, “The Last Ride,” was released earlier this month.
The rapper joined the Indian Party of India last year and failed to run in the state election.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said “no culprit will be spared” and was deeply shocked and saddened by the killing.
Rahul Gandhi, a senior congressional leader, took to Twitter to express his condolences on the killing.
“Deeply shocked and saddened by the assassination of a promising congressional leader and talented artist,” he said.
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