The assassination of Punjabi music icon Sidhu Moosewala continues to reverberate globally, not only through the lens of law enforcement but now also through that of international media. On Tuesday, BBC World Service released a two-part documentary titled The Killing Call, examining the events and figures behind the chilling daylight murder of the 28-year-old singer. The release, however, has sparked fresh controversy as it came despite a legal plea from Moosewala’s father, Balkaur Singh, seeking to halt the screening.
Legal Hurdles and a Father's Plea
Balkaur Singh had moved a civil court in Mansa, Punjab, requesting a stay on the documentary’s release, citing concerns over its potential to affect the ongoing murder investigation and violate the family’s privacy. Represented by advocate Satinder Pal Singh, the petition emphasized that releasing such sensitive content could not only prejudice the criminal trial but also cause emotional distress to the grieving family.
The court, however, refused to issue an interim stay on the screening. Civil Judge (Senior Division) Rajinder Singh Nagpal scheduled the next hearing for June 12, leaving a window open for the BBC to release the documentary in the meantime.
Initially, The Killing Call was to be screened in Mumbai on June 11, which also marks Moosewala’s birth anniversary. But facing legal scrutiny and mounting public pressure, the BBC shifted the release to YouTube, making it freely accessible worldwide.
What's in the Documentary?
The Killing Call offers a deep dive into the events surrounding Sidhu Moosewala’s assassination. The film features:
-
Interviews with his close friends and collaborators
-
Insights from investigative journalists
-
Statements from Punjab and Delhi police officials
-
And most controversially, an audio interview with Canada-based gangster Goldy Brar
Goldy Brar, who has publicly claimed responsibility for the murder, allegedly planned the attack from overseas and is believed to have links with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. The film paints a detailed picture of how organized crime networks in India and abroad have increasingly intersected with the world of politics and entertainment.
The Murder That Shook India
Born Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu, Sidhu Moosewala was no ordinary artist. A global Punjabi music sensation, he was admired for his raw lyrical content, social commentary, and unapologetic style. His sudden assassination on May 29, 2022, left fans and the music fraternity in disbelief.
He was gunned down in broad daylight near his village in Punjab’s Mansa district. Travelling without police protection, which had been controversially withdrawn just a day earlier, Moosewala was ambushed by gunmen who fired over 30 rounds of bullets. Locals later found him slumped behind the steering wheel of his SUV.
The murder prompted widespread outrage, candlelight vigils, and a renewed focus on Punjab’s deteriorating law and order situation. It also cast a spotlight on how gang culture had grown alarmingly embedded in regional politics and celebrity circles.
Goldy Brar and the Lawrence Bishnoi Link
Goldy Brar’s name has surfaced repeatedly in connection with Moosewala’s killing. Based in Canada, Brar is a known associate of Lawrence Bishnoi, a gangster who is currently incarcerated in India. Brar's self-declared involvement, via social media posts and later reaffirmed in interviews like the one featured in the BBC film, led to him being labeled as an “individual terrorist” by the NIA (National Investigation Agency).
Despite international arrest warrants and red corner notices, Brar remains elusive, prompting questions about international cooperation and India’s ability to bring transnational criminals to justice.
Public and Legal Reactions
While some viewers and industry insiders have praised the BBC documentary for its investigative depth and global perspective, many—especially Moosewala's fans and family—see it as a violation of emotional and legal boundaries.
The film’s release just days before the singer’s birth anniversary adds a layer of emotional tension, with many supporters rallying behind Balkaur Singh’s plea for dignity, privacy, and judicial integrity.
Furthermore, the case remains under active investigation, with no convictions so far. Critics argue that airing interviews and speculations before a verdict is reached risks influencing public perception and judicial proceedings.
Conclusion: Journalism or Insensitivity?
The release of The Killing Call has reignited critical conversations about the limits of documentary journalism, especially when dealing with ongoing legal matters and grieving families. While the BBC defends the documentary as part of its commitment to global storytelling and public interest, the ethical questions surrounding its timing and content remain deeply contentious.
As the court prepares to take up Balkaur Singh’s plea on June 12, one thing is certain: the Sidhu Moosewala story, both in life and death, continues to evoke strong reactions across the globe.
