BBC drops Moosewala documentary on YouTube despite father's plea, court case pending

Ignoring a legal plea from the family of slain Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, the BBC World Service on June 11 released a two-part documentary on YouTube chronicling the artist's murder and the events that followed. The release coincided with Moosewala’s birth anniversary and has stirred fresh controversy.

The documentary, originally scheduled for a private screening at a cinema hall in Mumbai, was uploaded online at 5 am after mounting public interest — and despite a petition filed by Moosewala’s father, Balkaur Singh, in a Mansa court seeking to halt its screening. The court is set to hear the matter June 12.

Raising serious objections, Balkaur Singh said the documentary contains interviews with individuals named in the First Information Report (FIR) in connection with Moosewala’s murder. He warned that this could potentially compromise the ongoing legal investigation.

In formal complaints to Maharashtra's Director General of Police and the Juhu Police Station, Singh argued the BBC had produced and scheduled the screening without his consent and alleged that the content includes misinformation that could tarnish his son's legacy. He also flagged concerns that the film might disclose previously unrevealed information about the case.

Despite the backlash, the BBC released the documentary on its official YouTube channel, drawing massive viewership within hours.

In a parallel development, three of Moosewala’s unreleased songs were also dropped on his official channel Wednesday, further fuelling an emotional day for fans and followers.

Moosewala, born Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu, was shot dead near Mansa in Punjab on May 29, 2022. His murder shocked the nation and triggered an ongoing investigation with multiple arrests.