Rahul Gandhi to visit Moose Wala's family on Tuesday
What's the story
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is expected to meet the family of Sidhu Moose Wala who was shot dead a week ago. In the Punjab Assembly elections, Moose Wala was the Congress candidate from Mansa. He was, however, defeated by the AAP candidate. He joined the party in December, just months before the legislative elections. However, the young rapper's association with the party was brief.
Context
Why does this story matter?
Moose Wala's killing has sparked a political row in Punjab and brought gang wars to the fore. The Opposition had also accused Punjab's Bhagwant Mann-led AAP government of endangering VIPs by downsizing their security cover over a week ago. Many also called for the dismissal of the Mann government. Following the criticism, the state government ordered to restore the security of over 420 VVIPs.
Meeting
Gandhi's first visit to the grieving family
The 51-year-old Gandhi will meet the late singer's heartbroken family for the first time since his death. Punjab Chief Minister Mann had also visited the Moose Wala family at their house last week. Mann's government has been chastised for reducing the protection of the singer-turned-politician. The Punjab and Haryana High Court, however, directed the government to withdraw the measure after Moose Wala's death.
Incident
Singer's shocking murder leaves fans in tears
Moose Wala's assassination shocked the entire country and left his admirers in India and Canada weeping. He managed to make chartbusters that made waves in Canada during his three-year music career. Notably, he was one of 424 people whose security was lowered over a week ago as part of the AAP government's anti-VIP campaign. The Punjab Congress even called for the state government's dismissal.
Details
Family demanding probe by central agency
Moose Wala's family and the Punjab Congress have been demanding a probe by a central agency into his killing. His parents also met Home Affairs Minister Amit Shah on Saturday. Meanwhile, amid intensifying probe, eight sharpshooters were reportedly identified who may be involved in the killing. The case's investigation is one of the biggest challenges the Mann government faced since it came to power.
Arrests
Six arrests so far in Moose Wala case
The Punjab Police has arrested six persons in connection with the Moose Wala killing so far, including the one arrested on Monday. On May 31, it made the first arrest in the case after apprehending Manpreet Bhau of Mansa district. Bhau is accused of providing logistical support to the assailants. Days later, the police apprehended four persons, including two linked to gangster Lawrence Bishnoi.