A human rights organisation has asked Punjab authorities to examine videos reportedly showing the younger brother of late Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala making gun gestures at a public event in Toronto, Canada.
Lawyers for Human Rights International has sought counselling for the child’s parents, Balkaur Singh and Charan Kaur, urging authorities to ensure the toddler is not encouraged to imitate acts of violence.
The complaint was submitted on October 17 to the Mansa Deputy Commissioner and the District Child Protection Unit by the organisation’s general secretary, advocate Navkiran Singh, under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.
What happened at the Toronto event?
According to a report by ANI, the complaint concerns an appearance by Sukhdeep Singh Sidhu, also known as Chhota Sidhu, who is around two-and-a-half years old.
The organisation alleged that the child was brought on stage during the opening show of the Signed to God World Tour in Toronto on October 9, where he reportedly made pistol-firing gestures and imitated gunshot sounds.
The complaint also referred to videos circulating on social media that allegedly show people around the toddler prompting him to repeat the gestures.
The group expressed concern that encouraging such behaviour at an early age could affect the child’s development and risk normalising violent gestures.
It also cited the killing of the toddler’s elder brother, Sidhu Moosewala, who was shot dead near Jawaharke village in Punjab’s Mansa district on May 29, 2022.
The allegations in the complaint have not been established as findings by authorities.
Group says it is not seeking punitive action
Lawyers for Human Rights International clarified that it has no objection to the child attending events organised in memory of his late brother. Its concern, it said, relates specifically to the alleged encouragement of gestures imitating gun violence.
The organisation has requested counselling for the parents through the District Child Protection Unit or a qualified child counsellor. It has also asked authorities to take steps to prevent the toddler from being encouraged to repeat such gestures at public events.
The complaint further seeks monitoring of the matter and asks the District Magistrate to ensure that the Child Welfare Committee considers it without delay.
The group said it was not seeking punitive action against the parents or any change in the child’s custody. Instead, it called for an inquiry and appropriate intervention focused on the toddler’s safety and well-being.
No official decision or finding on the allegations had been reported in the account provided.
Who was Sidhu Moosewala?
Sidhu Moosewala, born Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu, was a prominent Punjabi singer, rapper and songwriter known for songs including So High, 295 and The Last Ride.
He gained a large following for his distinctive musical style and lyrics rooted in his experiences and Punjabi identity.
