According to the complaint, the toddler appeared on stage during the opening show of the 'Signed to God World Tour' hologram concert at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena on Oct 9. His parents, Balkaur Singh and Charan Kaur, were also present. Photo: X screengrab
Sidhu Moosewala’s toddler brother’s gun gesture sparks complaint against parents
Child rights body seeks inquiry, parental counselling, and interim restrictions after the Punjabi singer’s brother ‘Chhota Sidhu’ mimicked gunfire during a Toronto concert
A child rights organisation has approached the Mansa district administration in Punjab, seeking intervention to safeguard the welfare of 2.5-year-old Sukhdeep Singh Sidhu, popularly known as Chhota Sidhu, after he made gun gestures during a concert in Toronto earlier this month.
Lawyers for Human Rights International (LFHRI) filed a complaint on October 17 before the District Magistrate and the District Child Protection Unit in Mansa, seeking an inquiry into the incident and measures to prevent the toddler from being encouraged to imitate firearm gestures during public appearances.
Sukhdeep is the younger brother of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, whose real name was Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu. The singer was killed in a targeted shooting in Punjab in May 2022.
Concert appearance
According to the complaint, the toddler appeared on stage during the opening show of the “Signed to God World Tour” hologram concert at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena on October 9. His parents, Balkaur Singh and Charan Kaur, were also present.
The child was seen making a pistol-firing gesture with his hand while mimicking gunfire sounds, or “tha tha tha”. He also performed the thaapi, or thigh-slap, gesture associated with his late brother.
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The performance drew applause, and a video of the appearance went viral on social media. LFHRI has also cited a subsequent video that it says shows adults around the child prompting and teaching him to make pistol gestures.
The organisation has expressed concern that encouraging a toddler to imitate gunfire could adversely affect his psychological development and potentially compromise his safety.
Action sought
In its complaint, signed by general secretary Navkiran Singh, LFHRI has sought counselling for the parents and interim directions restraining them from teaching, encouraging, or permitting the child to enact gunfire or firearm gestures, whether at public events or otherwise.
It has also urged the authorities to take cognisance of the matter under Section 36 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, and conduct an inquiry in the child’s interest.
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The organisation said its intervention was not directed against the family or the singer’s memory, but was intended solely to protect the minor’s welfare.
The complaint was sent by speed post to the Mansa authorities. It remains unclear whether the administration has initiated an inquiry or issued any directions.