The Killing Call, Ep 2: Sidhu Moose Wala and the Murder that Shook India - BBC World Service Docs

Key Concepts:

• Sidhu Moose Wala's murder: Circumstances, investigation, and aftermath.
• Gang rivalry: Lawrence Bishnoi gang vs. Bambiha gang.
• Goldy Brar's confession: Motives and justifications for the murder.
• Vicky Middukhera's murder: Its connection to Sidhu Moose Wala.
• Extortion and fame: How gangsters benefited from Sidhu's death.
• Punjabi music industry: Gangsters' influence and control.
• Operation Blue Star: Historical context and its impact on Punjabi identity.
• Kabaddi: The sport's connection to gang activity and match-fixing.
• Thapi: A gesture of defiance in Punjabi culture.

1. The Murder of Sidhu Moose Wala and Initial Investigation:

• Sidhu Moose Wala's daily routine involved waking up late, leaving home around 16:30-17:00, and visiting Mansa.
• Two main shooters were in the area from May 25 or 26, possibly conducting reconnaissance.
• On the day of the murder, Sidhu left his house around 17:30 in his Thar jeep.
• Lookouts Nikku and Kekda informed Goldy Brar in real-time that Sidhu had left without security.
• Two cars, a Toyota Corolla and a Bolero, followed Sidhu. The Corolla forced Sidhu's car to stop.
• Sidhu Moose Wala was shot and declared dead on arrival at the civil hospital.
• Six shooters were identified, and the police established the facts of the execution, including who was in which car and who fired which weapon (pistols and AK-47).
• Approximately 29 arrests were made, and two main shooters were killed in a police action.

2. Motive and Perpetrators:

• The government emphasized the arrests, but the motive behind the murder remained unclear.
• Goldy Brar, a Canada-based gangster, claimed responsibility for ordering the hit.
• The investigation is considered incomplete until Goldy Brar is properly investigated.
• Goldy Brar claimed Sidhu made "unforgivable mistakes" and that it was "either him or us."
• Goldy Brar stated that Sidhu was getting threats and felt safest in his village, Moosa.

3. Sidhu Moose Wala's Connection to Punjab and its History:

• Sidhu Moose Wala was deeply connected to his village and the Punjabi audience found him relatable.
• He wanted to address issues in Punjab, including the events of the 1980s and the history of grievances, particularly among Sikhs.
• The video references Operation Blue Star in 1984, the Indian government's attack on the Golden Temple, and its aftermath, including Indira Gandhi's assassination and subsequent violence against Sikhs.
• Sidhu considered Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale a martyr.
• Sidhu started addressing sensitive issues that others avoided, becoming "fearless."

4. Sidhu Moose Wala's Involvement in the Farmers' Protest:

• Sidhu Moose Wala participated in the farmers' protest against agricultural reforms in 2020.
• He organized a tractor rally in Mansa before the protest reached Delhi.
• His song "Panjab" became popular among protesters.
• His involvement in the protests marked a change in his writing, incorporating politics and cultural commentary.

5. Sidhu Moose Wala's Entanglement with Gangs:

• Sidhu Moose Wala's association with the Bambiha gang, particularly Mandeep Dhaliwal, created problems.
• He was also reportedly in contact with Lawrence Bishnoi, a rival gangster.
• Goldy Brar claimed Lawrence Bishnoi liked Sidhu's music and contacted him around 2017 or 2018.
• A kabaddi game organized by Mandeep Dhaliwal caused a rift between Lawrence Bishnoi and Sidhu, as Lawrence asked Sidhu not to attend.
• Lawrence Bishnoi and others threatened Sidhu after he promoted their rivals at the kabaddi game.
• The "Thapi" gesture, used to defy enemies, was part of Sidhu's persona.

6. Vicky Middukhera's Murder and its Aftermath:

• Vicky Middukhera, a close friend of Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar, was murdered.
• The Bambiha gang claimed responsibility for Vicky's murder.
• Vicky Middukhera was a peacemaker and mediator between gangs.
• Shaganpreet Singh, a close friend and manager of Sidhu, was implicated in Vicky Middukhera's murder, as the car used by the shooters was linked to him.
• Shaganpreet fled to Australia, and extradition proceedings are ongoing.
• Rumors circulated about Sidhu's involvement in Vicky Middukhera's murder, which he denied.
• Goldy Brar claimed Sidhu was involved in Vicky Middukhera's killing and that Sidhu's murder was an act of revenge.

7. Goldy Brar's Perspective and Justification:

• Goldy Brar claimed Sidhu was using his political power and resources to help their rivals.
• He stated that they had no option but to kill Sidhu and that it was "either him or us."
• Goldy Brar denied that the motive was fame or money, claiming they could have targeted any rich and famous person.
• He claimed that others involved in Vicky's murder had apologized and begged for their lives, but they would not be forgiven.
• Goldy Brar justified taking the law into his own hands, stating that the legal system only benefits the powerful.

8. Impact of Sidhu Moose Wala's Murder:

• Sidhu Moose Wala's murder led to increased notoriety for Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar, making it easier for them to extort money.
• The fear factor around gangsters has increased in Punjab.
• Extortion calls have expanded beyond the music and film industries to local businessmen.
• Goldy Brar has reportedly made millions from Punjab after Sidhu Moose Wala's murder.

9. Sidhu Moose Wala's Foresight and Legacy:

• Sidhu Moose Wala had a feeling that his end was near and that he would die by bullets.
• He expressed concern about achieving success at a young age.
• His fame and success made him enemies who envied him.
• His death has made him immortal.

10. Conclusion:

The murder of Sidhu Moose Wala was a complex event rooted in gang rivalry, historical grievances, and the pursuit of fame and power. While Goldy Brar claimed revenge as the primary motive, the killing also served to elevate the notoriety of the perpetrators and increase their ability to extort money. Sidhu Moose Wala's legacy as a fearless artist who addressed sensitive issues and connected with the Punjabi people remains, even as his death has had a profound impact on the region.