The mastermind behind the murder of singer-politician Sidhu Moosewala - gangster Goldy Brar, has been detained in the United States.

India's Research And Analysis Wing (R&AW), the intelligence wing of Delhi Police, and their counterparts in Punjab received inputs on Brar's arrest around 20th November, and the same has today been confirmed by Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann.

Addressing a press conference, Mann said, “It is confirmed news, and I say this being the head of the state, that Canada-based gangster Goldy Brar, who was indulging in anti-social activities and was involved in funding such activities, has been detained in the US.”

28-year-old Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu aka Sidhu Moosewala was shot dead in his SUV in Mansa district of Punjab on 29 May, just a day after his security cover was cut down by the Punjab administration.

Brar - who owned up to Moose Wala's murder in a Facebook post had said that it was in retaliation to the murder of youth Akali leader Vicky Middukhera that took place last year. Soon after, he fled to the US under pressure. He had been living in Fresno city and had cities like Sacramento, Frizow, and Salt Lake as his safe house.

Goldy Brar, originally from Faridkot district, is a close aide of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. He is also involved in an extortion racket being run in Punjab and is believed to have had a hand in the murder of Youth Congress leader Gurlal Pehalwan.

Talking about Brar's detention, Mann vowed that "This gangster culture in Punjab will end soon.” He also mentioned the red-corner notice that was issued by Interpol against Brar, after the same was requested by the Punjab Police through the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). This global warrant allows 194 member countries to trace and nab a suspect in their territories.

“They are sitting outside the country that’s why we are bound to go through the channel. We have learned that he has been detained and soon he will be brought to India. He is behind big murder cases and he will receive the harshest punishment as per the law,” the AAP leader added.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) would be getting in touch with the US authorities through official channels to get more details and see if Brar’s deportation directly to India can be pursued.

Meanwhile, Brar's detention has been welcomed by Moosewala's father Balkaur Singh, who has said that he is now ready to give more time to the government to catch all those accused in his son’s killing. “I welcome this development if Goldy Brar has been held… I appreciate the efforts of agencies and others who are behind this,” said Singh.