In a chilling escalation of violence, gunshots were fired at the Sidhu Moosewala statue in Haryana, and a threatening video of the attack was reportedly sent to JJP leader Digvijay Chautala, further intensifying concerns over the late singer’s legacy and its symbolic importance, reported The Tribune.
The statue, which was installed last year in Sawantkheda village of Dabwali as a tribute to the slain Punjabi icon, became the target of a late-night attack. The assailants not only shot at the statue but also filmed the act and circulated the video from an international number. The message accompanying the clip warned: “After Sidhu Moosewala, it’s the turn of his sympathisers.” A formal complaint has been registered at Dabwali police station, and the investigation is now underway.
Reacting with deep anguish, Moosewala’s mother, Charan Kaur, made a heartfelt statement condemning the act. “This is not just vandalism, it is a wound to my soul. Even after his death, his enemies are not letting him rest in peace,” she said. She asserted that her son was more than just an artist – he was a movement. “One day, the guilty will be punished. Our silence is not our defeat,” she added.
Responsibility for the attack was swiftly claimed by the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, with known associates like Goldy Dhillon and Arzoo Bishnoi issuing public threats. Their message was clear: those who portray Moosewala as a martyr will face consequences. They questioned why statues should be erected for a singer instead of freedom fighters or martyrs, suggesting Moosewala’s glorification fuels gang rivalries and ideological defiance.
Sidhu Moosewala, whose real name was Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu, was shot dead on May 29, 2022, in Punjab’s Mansa district. His killing was linked to inter-gang rivalries and bore the signature of a calculated contract-style murder. Since then, Moosewala has become both a cult figure in Punjabi music and a symbol of resistance for many youth across Punjab and the diaspora.
The recent attack brings back chilling memories of the environment of fear and lawlessness that surrounded his death. The fact that such a targeted act of intimidation could be carried out and broadcast openly – and aimed at a political leader like Digvijay Chautala – highlights how deep and far-reaching the influence of these gangs remains.
Chautala, a senior leader of the Jannayak Janta Party, had been associated with the installation of the statue and is known to have admired Moosewala’s fearless voice and his popularity among the youth. The video message directly sent to his phone suggests a well-orchestrated threat campaign aimed not just at Moosewala’s family and fans but also at public figures supporting his legacy.
Police officials have confirmed that they are verifying the authenticity of the video, trying to match it with the actual statue site in Dabwali, and tracing the number from which the message was sent. Security around the statue has been beefed up, and senior officers have assured that the matter is being taken seriously.
This attack once again raises questions about the influence of criminal syndicates in Punjab and Haryana, and how deep their psychological warfare runs. It’s not just about physical attacks – it’s also about silencing memory, rewriting legacy, and intimidating those who dare to remember. Moosewala’s fans have reacted with anger and sorrow across social media, demanding swift action. Hashtags like #JusticeForMoosewala and #RespectSidhuMoosewala have once again started trending, showing that the slain singer’s memory continues to evoke powerful emotion.
For more Spotlight stories click here
Follow us for latest updates:
