Sidhu Moosewala murder: Supreme Court grants bail to Pawan Bishnoi

The Supreme Court on Thursday granted bail to Pawan Bishnoi, an accused in the 2022 murder case of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala.

A Bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta also granted bail to co-accused Jagtar Singh, Moosewala’s neighbour, who is alleged to have helped in the reconnaissance of the singer’s residence.

Pawan Bishnoi, who is alleged to be part of Lawrence Bishnoi gang, stands accused of being part of a module that provided logistical support and assisted in the execution of the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala.

The Bench granted him bail after hearing arguments from both sides on his alleged role in arranging the vehicle used in the crime.

Moosewala, 28, was shot dead by assailants in May 2022 while travelling in his sports utility vehicle (SUV) in Punjab.

Investigators had alleged that members of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang were involved in the killing. Canada-based gangster Goldy Brar had claimed responsibility for the murder and is said to be a close aide of Lawrence Bishnoi.

During the hearing today, the counsel for Pawan Bishnoi argued that the allegation against his client was limited to arranging a Bolero vehicle allegedly used in the crime.

“The allegation against me is that I (Pawan Bishnoi) provided the Bolero which was used in the crime,” the counsel submitted.

The Bench remarked that Bishnoi would be safer in jail.

“It’s for your own safety that you should remain in jail.”

Bishnoi’s counsel maintained that his client had no connection with gangster Lawrence Bishnoi.

"Only my title matches. I don’t have any other relation with Lawrence Bishnoi."

The State opposed the bail plea, submitting that the petitioner had received 41 calls from co-accused persons to arrange the vehicle used in the murder.

Responding to the allegation, Bishnoi’s counsel submitted that others had allegedly supplied weapons but had not been charge-sheeted, and emphasised that no recovery had been made from his client.

“My role is limited. It has been three years and ten months since I am inside. I am seeking regular bail,” said the counsel.

The Court also questioned the prosecution about how mobile phones were being used from inside prison

This was after the State said that several calls had been made between the accused and co-accused during the planning of the crime.

“How were mobile phones used in jail? Your jail authorities are also in conspiracy? What’s the stage of trial?” the Bench asked.

The State replied that the case is currently at the stage of recording evidence and that protected witnesses have already testified against the accused.

During the hearing of Jagtar Singh’s plea, his counsel argued that the cameras installed near Moosewala’s residence were meant for the security of his own house and not for reconnaissance.

After hearing the parties, the Court ultimately granted bail to both accused.

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