BBC releases Sidhu Moosewala documentary despite father's legal challenge

British broadcaster BBC World Service has released a two-part documentary titled ‘The Killing Call’ on YouTube, focusing on the assassination of popular Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala. The release proceeded despite a legal plea from the late singer’s father, Balkaur Singh, who had approached a Mansa court seeking to prevent the documentary's screening. Originally slated for a public screening in Mumbai on June 11, coinciding with Moosewala’s birth anniversary, the documentary's release was shifted online amidst mounting controversy and legal objections.

A civil judge (senior division) on Tuesday declined to issue any interim order to block the documentary, setting the matter for a detailed hearing on June 12. Balkaur Singh’s lawyer stated that the petitioner argued the documentary's screening could potentially impact the ongoing criminal trial into Moosewala’s murder and infringe upon the family's right to privacy. Singh has named the foreign broadcaster along with two individuals as respondents in his civil suit.

Balkaur Singh had also previously filed complaints with Maharashtra’s director general of police and the Juhu police station, alleging that the documentary utilized Sidhu Moosewala’s name, likeness, and life story without obtaining proper consent from the family. He further claimed that invitations sent for the documentary suggested a reveal of unknown details about the late singer, which he feared could be an attempt to tarnish his son’s legacy. The father also noted a lack of response from the Maharashtra Police regarding any action on his complaints.

The BBC documentary is divided into two episodes: the first explores Sidhu Moosewala’s early life, his rise to fame, and the controversies he faced. The second part delves into the circumstances surrounding his assassination on May 29, 2022, in Punjab’s Mansa district. The film features interviews with Moosewala’s friends, various journalists, and police officials from Punjab and Delhi, notably including an audio interview with Canada-based gangster Goldy Brar, who claimed responsibility for the murder. Moosewala's killing sent shockwaves across India and the Punjabi diaspora, with no convictions in the case to date while Brar remains at large.