Chandigarh: BBC World Service on Wednesday released a two-part documentary on the murder of Punjabi singer Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu aka Sidhu Moosewala. The documentary was made available on YouTube at 5 am despite legal efforts from Moosewala’s father, Balkaur Singh Sidhu, to halt its release.

Court hearing scheduled

Balkaur had filed a petition in a Mansa court seeking to block the screening or release of the documentary. The court has scheduled a hearing on the matter for Thursday.

Initially, the BBC had planned to screen the documentary in a cinema hall in Mumbai on Wednesday evening. However, following growing controversy, the broadcaster opted to release it online instead.

Complaint against screening

In addition to the court petition, Moosewala’s father addressed a letter to Maharashtra’s Director General of Police (DGP), urging authorities to prevent the screening. He also filed a complaint at the Juhu police station in Mumbai, stating that the BBC World Service was organising a screening event on 11 June at 3 pm in Juhu.

He claimed the documentary was produced without his consent and further alleged that it included misleading information regarding his son's death.

In his complaint to the Maharashtra DGP, he stated that the documentary “could be an attempt to tarnish his legacy.”

Concerns over legal impact

Balkaur also expressed concern that the film may contain details not previously released to the public. He added that the documentary features interviews with individuals named in the FIR connected to his son's murder. He believes this content “could affect the ongoing legal case.”

He has requested that the screening scheduled for 11 June be halted and indicated that further legal action may follow if his concerns are not addressed.

Moosewala's murder in 2022

Sidhu Moosewala was shot dead on 29 May 2022 near Mansa. According to police reports, the 28-year-old singer was driving his SUV through Jhawahar Ke village in Punjab’s Mansa district, accompanied by two others, when he was attacked. He was later declared brought dead at the Mansa Civil Hospital.