New Delhi: Lawyers for Human Rights International, a Chandigarh-based human rights organisation, has approached Punjab authorities over videos showing Sukhdeep Singh Sidhu, the two-and-a-half-year-old brother of late Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala, making gun gestures during a public event in Toronto.
The organisation has sought an inquiry and counselling for the toddler’s parents, arguing that steps should be taken to prevent him from being encouraged to imitate acts of violence.
None of Sukhdeep’s public appearances goes unnoticed. From the news surrounding his birth and photographs shared on social media to his appearances at public events, every glimpse of the toddler has drawn headlines and captured public attention.
Sukhdeep was born on 17 March 2024, nearly two years after Moose Wala was shot dead in Punjab’s Mansa district. The singer, whose real name was Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu, was the couple’s only child before his death.
Sukhdeep’s birth drew significant attention, with fans calling him “Chota Sidhu.” Balkaur Singh, Moose Wala’s father, announced Sukhdeep’s birth on social media, sharing a photograph of himself holding the newborn alongside a cake with his late son’s picture.
His birth also triggered a controversy over the use of in-vitro fertilisation (IVF).
Charan Kaur was 58 years old when she gave birth, prompting the Union government to seek a report from the Punjab government on the fertility treatment. The issue rose because the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021, prescribes an age limit for men and women undergoing such treatment, 50 and 55 years, respectively.
Since his birth, the toddler has continued to draw public attention. The family routinely shares Sukhdeep’s pictures on Moose Walla’s official Instagram page.
Earlier this year in July, Sukhdeep appeared with his parents at a screening of the Punjabi film Kankaan De Ohle.
The Toronto concert was no different. Sukhdeep performed the singer’s signature thaapi gesture, a slap on the thigh followed by a raised hand.
He appeared on stage with his parents during the opening show of the Signed to God World Tour at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena on 9 October. The hologram concert paid tribute to the late singer.
According to the complaint, the kid was seen making pistol-firing gestures and imitating a gunshot.
The LFHRI has expressed concern that encouraging such behaviour at an early age could affect the child’s development and normalise violence.
It has clarified that it does not object to him attending events commemorating his late brother. Their concern is specifically about the encouragement of gestures that imitate the use of firearms.
The organisation has requested that the District Magistrate ensure the Child Welfare Committee takes up the matter without delay.