The controversy surrounding the tragic death of Punjabi singer and political figure Sidhu Moose Wala has deepened, as the BBC World Service released a two-part documentary on June 11, titled The Killing Call.
The release has triggered emotional and legal backlash from Moose Wala’s family, particularly his father, Balkaur Singh Sidhu, who has accused the global broadcaster of proceeding without the family’s consent.
The documentary, which delves into the life and assassination of the 28-year-old artist, was made available on YouTube following mounting controversy and the cancellation of a planned cinema screening in Mumbai.
The release date — coinciding with what would have been Moose Wala’s 32nd birthday — has particularly upset the grieving family, who had prepared a memorial event and tribute, including the launch of an Extended Play (EP) featuring Moose Wala’s unreleased music.
Legal Action Underway
In response to the release, Balkaur Singh Sidhu filed a formal police complaint and petitioned the Mansa district court in Punjab, demanding that the documentary be taken down.
The court is scheduled to hear the matter on June 12, while the family has also indicated plans to escalate the issue to the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
“We strongly object to this documentary. It was made and released without our knowledge or approval,” said a visibly distraught Balkaur Singh. “This is not journalism — this is an attempt to distort the memory and legacy of my son, and we will not let it go unanswered.”
According to the family, the timing of the release — on Sidhu Moose Wala’s birthday — added insult to injury. “Instead of allowing us a peaceful day to remember him and celebrate his art, we are being forced to fight another battle to protect his name,” the father added in statements reported by India Today.
The Documentary: Inside The Killing Call
The BBC documentary, The Killing Call, explores Moose Wala’s rise to fame, political ambitions, and his eventual assassination on May 29, 2022, in Jawahar Ke village in Punjab’s Mansa district.
It features interviews with Moose Wala’s friends, journalists who covered his career, and high-ranking officials from both the Punjab and Delhi Police involved in the investigation.
A particularly contentious segment of the film includes an audio interview with Canada-based gangster Goldy Brar, the alleged mastermind behind the assassination. Brar is believed to be closely linked with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang and had claimed responsibility for the killing via a Facebook post shortly after the incident.
The murder, according to Brar, was a retaliatory act tied to the killing of another gangster, Vicky Middukhera.
The BBC, in promotional material for the film, stated that the documentary uncovers “previously unknown facts” about the murder and presents fresh insights into the criminal nexus operating across India and abroad.
Family’s Grievances and Public Reaction
The Moose Wala family maintains that the documentary is not only insensitive but also potentially damaging. “This documentary presents our son’s tragic end as entertainment for the masses,” said Balkaur Singh, accusing the BBC of sensationalising a real-life tragedy.
Public opinion remains divided. While some viewers have praised the documentary for shedding light on Punjab’s growing gangster-politics nexus, many fans and supporters of Moose Wala have rallied behind the family, demanding that the BBC take down the film and issue an apology.
Social media platforms are abuzz with the hashtag #JusticeForSidhuMooseWala, and thousands have signed online petitions calling for the documentary’s removal, arguing that it violates the family’s right to privacy and dignity.
The Legacy of Sidhu Moose Wala
Born as Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu, Sidhu Moose Wala was more than just a musician. He was a voice for Punjab’s youth, known for his powerful lyrics that often touched upon themes of identity, violence, pride, and systemic neglect. His foray into politics under the Congress banner was seen as an extension of his influence beyond music.
On the day he was killed, Moose Wala was driving through the Mansa district in a Thar SUV when he was ambushed and shot multiple times by assailants armed with assault rifles.
The brazen daylight murder shocked the nation and sparked a complex investigation that has spanned multiple countries.
More than two years later, the pain remains fresh for Moose Wala’s family and fans — a fact made painfully evident by the fallout from the documentary’s release.
As the court in Mansa prepares to hear the family’s petition on June 12, all eyes remain on the legal and public battle over The Killing Call, a film that has reopened deep wounds and stirred fresh debate over ethics, legacy, and the cost of telling a story without consent
