A concert celebrating Sidhu Moose Wala and his musical legacy has sparked a child welfare concern in Punjab after the late singer’s two-and-a-half-year-old younger brother was seen making gun-firing gestures on stage in Canada. Lawyers for Human Rights International (Regd.), Chandigarh, has now sought an official inquiry into the incident, raising questions about the toddler’s exposure to such behaviour.
The organisation filed a complaint on October 17 with the Mansa Deputy Commissioner and the District Child Protection Unit. It concerns Sukhdeep Singh Sidhu, popularly known as Chhota Sidhu, the younger son of Moose Wala’s parents, Balkaur Singh and Charan Kaur.
The complaint, submitted through the organisation’s General Secretary and advocate Navkiran Singh, seeks intervention to safeguard the child’s welfare.
Gun gestures at the October 9 concert
The incident reportedly took place during the opening show of the ‘Signed to God World Tour’ hologram concert at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Canada, on October 9.
According to the complaint, Sukhdeep was brought on stage while his parents were present. The toddler was seen making a pistol-firing gesture with his hand and imitating gunshots with the sounds “tha tha tha”. He also performed the ‘thaapi’, or thigh-slap, gesture associated with his late elder brother.
The organisation has also cited videos circulated on social media that allegedly show people around the child prompting him to repeat similar gestures.
The complaint asks the authorities to examine the circumstances in which the child was exposed to these actions and whether anyone encouraged him to perform them.
Moose Wala’s death adds to the concern
Sidhu Moose Wala was shot dead on May 29, 2022, near Jawaharke village in Punjab’s Mansa district. His killing remains a significant part of the context cited in the complaint concerning the toddler’s public appearance.
Lawyers for Human Rights International has argued that repeated exposure to firearm-related imagery at such a young age could affect a child’s development and make violent behaviour appear normal. It has also raised concerns about the child’s safety.
The organisation, however, has drawn a distinction between taking part in tributes and performing violent gestures. It has clarified that it has no objection to Sukhdeep appearing at events commemorating his late brother.
Its objection is specifically to the child being taught, encouraged or allowed to enact gunfire or other violent actions.
Counselling and monitoring requested
The complaint seeks action under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.
Among the measures requested is counselling for Balkaur Singh and Charan Kaur through the District Child Protection Unit or a qualified child counsellor. The organisation has also asked the authorities to issue directions preventing the toddler from performing such gestures and to monitor compliance.
It has further urged the District Magistrate to ensure that the matter is promptly placed before the Child Welfare Committee for appropriate consideration.
The complainant has stressed that its objective is to protect Sukhdeep’s welfare, not to seek punitive action against his parents or a change in his custody.
With inputs from ANI.
- Punjab
- Sidhu Moose Wala
