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Who Killed Moosewala? The Spiralling Story of Violence in Punjab
About the BookA POWERFUL BOOK THAT DETAILS THE DEATH AND THE SUBSEQUENT INVESTIGATION OF THE MURDER OF ONE OF THE RISING SUPERSTARS OF PUNJABI HIP-HOP. On 29 May 2022, Punjabi rapper Sidhu Moosewala left his haveli in Moosa for a quick ride to his aunt’s house in the neighbouring village. He was never to return home. The singer was ambushed and gunned down by six assailants. He was only twenty-eight.The news of his death spread like wildfire; fans thronged to his village in Mansa district to pay their last respects. Others mourned him on social media. An icon for many, the rebellious young man had also been a controversial figure. There were allegations that he promoted gun culture and violence, and rumours that he had ties with certain gangs. With his sudden and violent death, the questions about his life became louder—as also those around his death. Who had killed Moosewala? Everyone wanted to know.As the police made arrests and the investigation started in earnest, a story began to emerge—one of old enmities, uncomfortable truths, disgruntled youths and the violence that simmers in Punjab, just below the surface of everyday life. In this gripping and fast-paced book, seasoned crime reporter Jupinderjit Singh closely follows the investigation into Moosewala’s death and also offers us glimpses into the man he was behind the mask of celebrity. The story of the slain singer and those behind his murder, this book is also a rumination on the growing unrest in Punjab.About the AuthorJupinderjit Singh is an award-winning journalist, specialising in crime reporting for The Tribune in Punjab. He has authored five books two of which have been translated into Hindi. He is known for discovering the lost pistol of Shaheed Bhagat Singh that was used to kill a British police officer in 1928. He was awarded the Prem Bhatia Young Journalist Award in 2005. He is a fellow with the Centre for Science and Environment and a FIDE-rated chess player and coach. He is also a motivational speaker.
172 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 5, 2023
18 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
July 5, 2023
This book 'Who Killed Moosewala' gives a detailed account of the death and subsequent investigation into the murder of Sidhu Moosewala. The book raises many questions on Punjab Police and AAP government, like why Punjab Police could not prevent the death of Moosewala when they had been aware of the threat Moosewala had been facing? Also Moosewala had contested the elections and he lost and the newly-formed AAP government had pruned is security. And then the leaking of security withdrawal details to media. This book also highlights the lacunas in the investigation by Delhi and Punjab Police, as both the teams concealed information from each. If they both had worked together, perhaps the case would have been solved.
I also got to read about the rise of gang culture in Punjab which is one of the mains reason for unrest in Punjab. Author explains how from the land of bravehearts and warriors to the land of drug menace, Punjab's reputation has seen a marked shift. Young lives in Punjab have been drawn into the tight grip of drug abuse, leading to a life of crime, and eventually dying an untimely death. This is well explained through the life stories of Roopa and Mannu Kusa. Author explores the reasons as to why these young people choose criminal way of life, sometimes the reasons are societal, increased drug abuse, unemployment, etc.
It was not an easy read for me but an emotional one. What was more painful to read was about the pain of aged parents of Moosewala who are still waiting for the justice to be delivered. After reading the book I can say, this is a powerful book and Author took many months of painstaking research to write this book and has tried his best to stick to the facts of this murder mystery, without adding any of his personal views. I found it to be a gripping read and I read this book in one sitting. I would definitely recommend this book, especially if you're a fan of Sidhu Moosewala.
I also got to read about the rise of gang culture in Punjab which is one of the mains reason for unrest in Punjab. Author explains how from the land of bravehearts and warriors to the land of drug menace, Punjab's reputation has seen a marked shift. Young lives in Punjab have been drawn into the tight grip of drug abuse, leading to a life of crime, and eventually dying an untimely death. This is well explained through the life stories of Roopa and Mannu Kusa. Author explores the reasons as to why these young people choose criminal way of life, sometimes the reasons are societal, increased drug abuse, unemployment, etc.
It was not an easy read for me but an emotional one. What was more painful to read was about the pain of aged parents of Moosewala who are still waiting for the justice to be delivered. After reading the book I can say, this is a powerful book and Author took many months of painstaking research to write this book and has tried his best to stick to the facts of this murder mystery, without adding any of his personal views. I found it to be a gripping read and I read this book in one sitting. I would definitely recommend this book, especially if you're a fan of Sidhu Moosewala.
February 12, 2024
-Slain Son of Punjab-
Review of ‘Who Killed Moosewala- The spiralling story of violence in Punjab’ by Jupinderjit Singh @jupinderjit
🖋️📖
Who Killed Moosewala is an incisive and detailed account of the daylight murder of Punjabi pop sensation Siddhu Moosewala and the subsequent investigation. Singh, the author and investigative journalist, is credited with finding the lost pistol of Shaheed Bhagat Singh. His account of this murder starts as soon as Moosewala, fondly called Shubh by his parents, leaves his home to visit his maasi.
The first chapter, that is part imaginary part investigative, is as hair-raising as non fiction can ever hope to become. It’s a marvellous combination of Singh’s investigative as well as storytelling skills.
As part of the narrative, Singh has translated portions of lyrics from the slain rockstar’s songs whose income had reached from 5 lakh to 3 crore in 3 years and whose songs were worth about 500 crores.
Replete with stories of gangsters and policemen alike, WKM also raises many questions that a lot of people may not have been acquainted with. The shoddy investigation by Punjab police that led the attackers hiding as close as 10 km from the crime scene, the controversial decision of Punjab government to reduce the security cover from four policemen to two even though Moosewala’s family had been warned of attacks with rocket launcher on their newly constructed palatial haveli.
Shubhdeep Singh Moosewala, whose songs are still heard all over Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Himachal Pradesh, stands like a divine beacon in the backdrop of this book. Often criticised for gun glorification in his songs, he was a farmer at heart and participated in Delhi’s farmer agitation actively and even wrote a song.
Present only in his songs now, this book is one more reason to keep him alive in public memory.
Review of ‘Who Killed Moosewala- The spiralling story of violence in Punjab’ by Jupinderjit Singh @jupinderjit
🖋️📖
Who Killed Moosewala is an incisive and detailed account of the daylight murder of Punjabi pop sensation Siddhu Moosewala and the subsequent investigation. Singh, the author and investigative journalist, is credited with finding the lost pistol of Shaheed Bhagat Singh. His account of this murder starts as soon as Moosewala, fondly called Shubh by his parents, leaves his home to visit his maasi.
The first chapter, that is part imaginary part investigative, is as hair-raising as non fiction can ever hope to become. It’s a marvellous combination of Singh’s investigative as well as storytelling skills.
As part of the narrative, Singh has translated portions of lyrics from the slain rockstar’s songs whose income had reached from 5 lakh to 3 crore in 3 years and whose songs were worth about 500 crores.
Replete with stories of gangsters and policemen alike, WKM also raises many questions that a lot of people may not have been acquainted with. The shoddy investigation by Punjab police that led the attackers hiding as close as 10 km from the crime scene, the controversial decision of Punjab government to reduce the security cover from four policemen to two even though Moosewala’s family had been warned of attacks with rocket launcher on their newly constructed palatial haveli.
Shubhdeep Singh Moosewala, whose songs are still heard all over Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Himachal Pradesh, stands like a divine beacon in the backdrop of this book. Often criticised for gun glorification in his songs, he was a farmer at heart and participated in Delhi’s farmer agitation actively and even wrote a song.
Present only in his songs now, this book is one more reason to keep him alive in public memory.
February 6, 2024
We grew up to a Punjab that was famous for it’s 5 rivers, of it’s brave warriors and above all the the rich folklore of the land. But generations down the line, grave menace of drug abuse, local hoodlum to a global mafioso, has plagued the territory.
Shubhjeet Singh Sidhu alias Sidhu Moosewala was a sensation amongst the youth of Punjab. His songs promoted gun culture, violence and rebellion, often targeting his enemies, who eventually became tired of his tirade against them. Tragedy would befall Moosewala, who was brazenly gunned down in his car. But what lead to this singer’s homicide is brilliantly detailed by the writer in Jupinderjit Singh.
The tragedy is as grave as interesting it is to read of this shy boy’s journey from Punjab to Canada, of a singer to a cult. Do read, and I quote a stanza from his song titled ‘The Last Ride’ :
“Ho chobbar de chehre utte noor dassda
Ni ehda uthuga jawani-ch janaja mithiye”
(The glow on this young man’s face suggests, He will be laid to rest in his youth)
📚
Shubhjeet Singh Sidhu alias Sidhu Moosewala was a sensation amongst the youth of Punjab. His songs promoted gun culture, violence and rebellion, often targeting his enemies, who eventually became tired of his tirade against them. Tragedy would befall Moosewala, who was brazenly gunned down in his car. But what lead to this singer’s homicide is brilliantly detailed by the writer in Jupinderjit Singh.
The tragedy is as grave as interesting it is to read of this shy boy’s journey from Punjab to Canada, of a singer to a cult. Do read, and I quote a stanza from his song titled ‘The Last Ride’ :
“Ho chobbar de chehre utte noor dassda
Ni ehda uthuga jawani-ch janaja mithiye”
(The glow on this young man’s face suggests, He will be laid to rest in his youth)
📚
August 4, 2025
Wow! This may be the worst book i have ever read. Moosewala as a writer, as an artist must be rolling in his grave. The way such a sensitive subject matter is approached makes me wonder what the motivations must have been for writing the book? Any remotely interesting information u could still find is a copy and paste from press releases or the fevered notes of a fanboy promised exclusive access from officials who clearly use a pawn when they see one. Its a deeply dishonest book abt an artist who was trying to find a deeply authentic form of self expression.
July 14, 2023
Great book with actual facts. Jo Jo sidhu nu pyaar karde ho, jaroor padeo. It also tells us how unsafe punjab actually is. Furthermore, it talks about the sloppy investigation and the bad initial action by the police. It could've been prevented.
September 15, 2024
Loved the book as it lays down the foundation of almost the entire gang war culture in Punjab. One can then read about each of them in detail on their own. Reveals the underbelly of the issues in Punjab while concentrating on the Moosewala story. Gripping and intense.
July 12, 2023
A very informative book regarding the incident, really liked the way it way writen by the author.
January 8, 2024
A little biased but still a nice read, especially for the fans
March 16, 2024
Quick and a breezy read giving multiple perspectives on unfortunate event. Fairly neutral and hence a good read
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews