Chandigarh: On the directions of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab VK Bhawra, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Bathinda Range, Pardeep Yadav has constituted a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to ensure effective and speedy investigation of the murder of Shubhdeep Singh alias Sidhu Moosewala. The SIT members include SP, Investigation, Mansa Dharamveer Singh, DSP, Investigation, Bathinda, Vishawajeet Singh and Incharge CIA Mansa Prithipal Singh.

Sidhu Moosewala, who left his house around 4:30 pm along with two persons - Gurwinder Singh, neighbour, and Gurpreet Singh, cousin, were shot dead by some unidentified persons on Sunday. Shubhdeep Singh was driving his Mahindra Thar Vehicle. DGP VK Bhawra, while addressing a press conference here, said that when Sidhu Moosewala reached village Jawahar Ke, they were followed by a white corolla and they were intercepted from the front by two cars including white Bolero and a dark Grey Scorpio.

“There was heavy firing from the front on Sidhu Moosewala and his friends, where all sustained bullet injuries,” he said, adding that the police team reached at the spot immediately and trio were taken to Civil Hospital Mansa where Sidhu Moosewala was declared brought dead, while His cousin and his friend are in stable condition, and they have been referred to Patiala for further treatment.

On withdrawal of Sidhu’s security, the DGP said that in view of Ghallughara week, the police had temporarily withdrawn only two security personnel of Sidhu Moosewala for law and order duty, while he had two Police Personnel from the Commando Battalion deployed with him. “While leaving home, Sidhu didn’t take along his two police personnel and also left his private bullet-proof car at home,” he said.

The DGP said that, prima facie, it seems to be an inter-gang rivalry between Lawrence Bishnoi Group and Lucky Patial group. “Lawrence Bishnoi group has taken the responsibility of Sidhu Moosewala’s murder citing it as retaliation to the killing of Vicky Midhukhera,” he said.

Pertinently, three shooters identified as Sunny, Anil Lath and Bholu, all resident of Haryana have already been arrested by Delhi Police Special Cell in connection with the murder of Vicky Midhukhera, while, another accused identified as Shaganpreet, who was manager of Sidhu Moosewala was also nominated as accused in the FIR registered regarding the murder of Vicky. Shaganpreet has escaped to Australia and is wanted by the police.

The DGP said that preliminary investigations revealed that three weapons including 7.62mm, 9 mm and 0.30 bore weapons were used in the crime. It is still under investigation, he added. Meanwhile, the DGP directed IG Bathinda range Pradeep Yadav, SSP Mansa Gaurav Toora and SSP Bathinda J Elanchezian to camp in Mansa, while ADGP Law and Order has mobilised the required force to nab the murderers of Sidhu Moosewala. /BI/