A day after it was announced that Sidhu Moose Wala’s state security would be revoked, he was shot and killed. His death prompted a global outpouring of sorrow from music lovers and artists, including Drake and Burna Boy.
At his memorial service, the family of a famous Indian Punjabi hip-hop singer who was murdered last year demanded justice.
The day after the new Punjab government removed his state security, unidentified gunmen shot and killed Sidhu Moose Wala.
His father, Balkaur Singh, addressed the crowds and chanted anti-government slogans, claiming that “criminals and gangsters sitting in jails have internet access and are giving TV interviews, while the government has shut down the internet for the common people.”
“This was done intentionally to silence our pleas for justice for our son,” he added.
Gurvinder Singh Sandhu, a family friend, said, “We have the person who fired that gun, but who are the people behind it?
His father is stating that the police ought to investigate those individuals.
His childhood companion Sandy Joia traveled from Kent to attend the ceremony; Sidhu frequently stayed with him while in Britain.
He stated, “Sidhu’s influence can be felt all over the world.
The UK parliament highlighted this issue because he possessed a resident permit and was a Canadian PR [permanent resident].
“However, our primary concern is the Indian government, where he paid more than £200,000 in annual taxes – this government is doing nothing.”
After Sidhu’s death, forensic examination of the recovered cartridges revealed the use of an AK-47, a. 30-bore pistol, and four or five 9mm pistols. His car and nearby walls had over 25 bullet holes.
Police reported that 27 individuals, including the six assailants, have been arrested in connection with the homicide. But the investigation continues.
VK Bhawra, the state’s top police officer, said “inter-gang rivalry” caused the murder.
However, the family is dissatisfied with the investigation’s tempo, and they do not believe his murder was gang-related.
They claim that the announcement that his security would be withdrawn left him vulnerable; his assassination occurred the following day, even though he had two security officers and an armored vehicle that he did not use.
Young and old from Punjab and beyond attended the memorial service in Moosa, his homeland.
Avijeet and his five companions left Mohali wearing T-shirts featuring Sidhu’s image.
He stated, “There is no one like him, and there never will be”.
He is our idol and our source of worldwide pride.
“His loss makes me feel as if a part of me has been severed.”
Even after his demise, Sidhu’s popularity is unrivaled, with an ever-growing fan base.
His songs and videos have been viewed hundreds of millions of times and transcend borders; his song So High has over 645 million views and counting.
So High in 2018 propelled his music career in India and among the Indian and Punjabi diaspora in countries like the United Kingdom and Canada.
His songs about weapons, vengeance, gangs, and emotional and political themes were set to hard hip-hop beats.
He was a frequent collaborator with artists from the UK scene, including vocalists MIST and Stefflon Don and producer Steel Banglez, and was described as a pioneer for his community.
He won four BritAsia TV Music Awards and became the first Indian vocalist to perform at Wireless Festival.
Many of music’s biggest personalities, including Canadian rapper Drake and afro beats star Burna Boy, paid tribute to him after his passing.
He also engaged in politics, running unsuccessfully as a candidate for the Indian Congress Party in the Punjab elections.
