Goldy Brar Defends Sidhu Moose Wala’s Murder in Chilling BBC Interview
On a warm May evening in 2022, Punjabi hip-hop star Sidhu Moose Wala was attacked while driving his black Mahindra Thar SUV through the dusty streets of his village in Punjab’s Mansa district. Within moments, two cars chased him, surrounded his vehicle, and fired more than 100 bullets, killing the 28-year-old rapper.
The shocking broad daylight killing of one of India’s most popular artists sent shockwaves of grief and anger across the country and its diaspora. Now, three years later, BBC Eye has uncovered new details through an exclusive six-hour voice note exchange with Goldie Brar, the fugitive gangster who claimed responsibility for orchestrating the hit.
Brar’s cold justification for the murder has reignited debates about gang violence, extortion and the darkness of Punjab’s music industry. “In his arrogance, he [Moose Wala] made some unforgivable mistakes,” Brar told the BBC World Service. “We had no choice but to kill him. It was either him or us. As simple as that.”
The revelation, part of “The Killing Call,” a two-part documentary to coincide with Moose Wala’s birthday on June 11, 2025, has sparked controversy, especially as his family fights to ban the film.
Born Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu into a Jat-Sikh family in rural Punjab, Moose Wala moved to Canada in 2016 to study engineering, a path familiar to many in the Punjabi diaspora. However, it was in Canada that he became a cultural icon, blending Punjabi folk traditions with hip-hop grit.
His lyrics, filled with themes of identity, politics, guns and revenge, resonated deeply with fans in India, the UK, Canada and beyond. With over five billion YouTube views and collaborations with global stars like Burna Boy, Moose Wala became a voice for Punjab’s youth, addressing gangster culture, unemployment and political decline. Yet, his bold persona came with risks.
His fascination with rapper Tupac Shakur, who was murdered in 1996, shaped his stubborn attitude. “I want people to remember me when I die,” he once said in an interview. Tragically, his large presence attracted the attention of Punjab’s criminal underworld, especially jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and his associate Goldie Brar.
A Deadly Feud: The Kabaddi Connection
According to Brar, the seeds of the clash were sown over a Kabaddi tournament, a traditional South Asian sport rife with gangster influence and match-fixing. Moose Wala promoted an event organised by the Bambiha gang, who were rivals to Bishnoi’s syndicate.
Brar claimed that this action angered Bishnoi, who had maintained contact with Moose Wala since 2018, even calling him from jail to praise his music. “Sidhu used to send ‘good morning’ and ‘good night’ messages to flatter Lawrence,” Brar revealed. However, Moose Wala’s perceived alliance with Bishnoi’s enemies made him a target.
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The feud escalated when Vicky Middukhera, a Bishnoi associate who had earlier mediated the tension, was shot dead in Mohali in August 2021. The Bambiha gang claimed responsibility, and police named Moose Wala’s friend, Shaganpreet Singh, in the chargesheet, accusing him of logistical support.
Although Punjab police found no evidence linking Moose Wala to the murder, Brar remained convinced of his involvement. “Everyone knew Sidhu’s role,” Brar told BBC Eye. “He was using political power and money to help our opponents.”
A murder that shook Punjab
On May 29, 2022, Moose Wala’s SUV was ambushed in Jawahar Ke village. CCTV footage captured the terrifying precision of the attack, in which the gunmen opened fire with AK-47s and pistols. The rapper was hit by 24 bullets, and his cousin and friend, who were also in the vehicle, escaped unharmed.
The aftermath of the incident, recorded on mobile phones, showed a shattered windscreen and bullet-riddled bonnet, with passersby pleading for help. Despite the arrest of six gunmen and others for logistical support, no one has been charged, and Brar is reportedly absconding in Canada under an Interpol Red Notice.
Brar’s unflinching stance has drawn sharp criticism in the BBC interview. “Law and justice? There is no such thing,” he said, dismissing India’s justice system. He justified the killing as revenge for Middukhera’s death, claiming that Moose Wala’s arrogance and attachment to rivals left him no choice.
“I have no regrets,” he added, highlighting the gang’s reliance on extortion to continue its operations. “To get money, we have to be afraid,” he admitted.
Next: Extortion and fear
The killing has heightened the threat from gangsters in Punjab. Journalists like Ritesh Lakhi call it “the biggest killing in decades,” noting that it has emboldened criminals like Brar and Bishnoi. “The gangsters’ ability to extort money has increased,” Lakhi said. “The fear surrounding gangsters has increased,” added Jupinderjit Singh, deputy editor of The Tribune.
Extortion, once confined to the music industry, now targets local businessmen, with Brar’s gang capitalising on Moose Wala’s murder to create a brand of infamy.
The documentary’s release has also sparked legal battles. Moose Wala’s father, Balkaur Singh Sidhu, filed a complaint with the Maharashtra DGP and Mumbai’s Juhu police station, seeking a ban on the film for allegedly tarnishing his son’s legacy.
FAQs About Sidhu Moose Wala’s Murder and Goldy Brar Interview
What happened to Sidhu Moose Wala?
On May 29, 2022, Sidhu Moose Wala was shot dead in his SUV in Punjab’s Mansa district by gunmen who fired over 100 bullets. His cousin and friend survived the attack.
Who is Goldy Brar?
Goldy Brar is a Canada-based gangster and key member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, accused of orchestrating Moose Wala’s murder. He is on an Interpol Red Notice.
Why was Sidhu Moose Wala killed?
Brar claimed Moose Wala’s arrogance and alleged support for the rival Bambiha gang, including involvement in Vicky Middukhera’s murder, prompted the killing.
What did Goldy Brar say in the BBC interview?
Brar justified the murder, saying Moose Wala made “unforgivable mistakes” and that it was “either him or us.” He expressed no remorse and dismissed India’s justice system.
What is the controversy surrounding the BBC documentary?
Moose Wala’s father, Balkaur Singh Sidhu, seeks to ban the documentary, claiming it misrepresents his son. A Mansa court will hear the case on June 12, 2025.
How has the murder impacted Punjab?
The killing has increased the fear factor around gangsters, boosting extortion rackets targeting the music industry and local businesses.