In a rare and controversial appearance, gangster Goldy Brar has spoken about his involvement in the 2022 killing of Punjabi music sensation Sidhu Moosewala. Featured in the BBC’s recently released two-part documentary ‘The Killing Call’, the Canada-based fugitive revealed what he claims were the motivations behind the fatal ambush that sent shockwaves through India and beyond.
Sidhu Moosewala was gunned down on May 29, 2022, while driving his black Mahindra Thar near his hometown in Punjab’s Mansa district. CCTV footage captured the moment two vehicles began tailing him. Within minutes, one cut him off, and a barrage of gunfire followed. Moose Wala was struck by 24 bullets and declared dead on arrival. Two others in the car survived with injuries. According to police, over 100 bullets were fired at his SUV.
Goldy Brar on why Sidhu Moosewala was killed
Shortly after the killing, Brar claimed responsibility in a Facebook post. Now, three years later, he has expanded on his claims in a six-hour voice-note-based interview with the BBC.
“In his arrogance, he [Moose Wala] made some mistakes that could not be forgiven,” Brar said. “We had no option but to kill him. He had to face the consequences of his actions. It was either him or us. As simple as that.”
In the BBC documentary, Brar claims that Moose Wala and Bishnoi were once in contact, with Sidhu allegedly making efforts to curry favour.
“Lawrence [Bishnoi] was in touch with Sidhu [Moose Wala]. I don’t know who introduced them, and I never asked. But they did speak,” Brar claimed. “Sidhu used to send ‘good morning’ and ‘good night’ messages in an effort to flatter Lawrence.”
Brar alleged that the turning point came when Moose Wala performed at a kabaddi event in a village associated with the rival Bambiha gang. The act, he said, was seen as a betrayal by Bishnoi’s associates.
“That’s a village our rivals come from. He was promoting our rivals. That’s when Lawrence and others were upset with him. They threatened Sidhu and said they wouldn’t spare him.”
The feud, according to Brar, was briefly diffused by mutual associate Vicky Middukhera, but his murder in August 2021 reignited hostilities. Brar accused Moose Wala’s former manager, Shaganpreet Singh, of being complicit in Middukhera’s killing. Singh fled the country and is believed to be in Australia.
Despite Punjab Police maintaining there’s no direct evidence linking Moose Wala to gang activity or Middukhera’s death, Brar remains adamant. “Everyone knew Sidhu’s role, the police investigating knew, even the journalists who were investigating knew,” he said. “Sidhu mixed with politicians and people in power. He was using political power, money, and his resources to help our rivals. We wanted him to face punishment for what he’d done. He should have been booked. He should have been jailed. But nobody listened to our plea. So we took it upon ourselves. When decency falls on deaf ears, it’s the gunshot that gets heard.”
When asked whether his actions could be viewed as vigilante justice, Brar expressed deep cynicism about the Indian justice system. “Law. Justice. There’s no such thing. Only the powerful can… [obtain] justice, not ordinary people like us. I did what I had to do for my brother. I have no remorse whatsoever.”
The documentary, which includes voices of investigative journalists, former friends of Moosewala, and police officers, was initially slated for a private screening in Mumbai. However, it faced backlash from the late singer’s family and was eventually uploaded to YouTube. Moose Wala’s father, Balkaur Singh Sidhu, has filed a police complaint accusing the BBC of releasing the film without the family’s consent and potentially misrepresenting facts.
About Goldy Brar
Brar, considered a key aide of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, is operating from North America and has been officially designated a terrorist under India’s Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Interpol has issued a Red Corner Notice against him, and Indian authorities have filed a non-bailable warrant for his arrest. The Home Ministry alleges Brar is part of an organised network involved in cross-border arms smuggling using drones and has ties to the banned Babbar Khalsa International group.
