Chhota Sidhu gun gestures prompt child-welfare complaint

Lawyers for Human Rights International (LFHRI) filed a complaint with authorities in Mansa, Punjab, on October 17 seeking a child-welfare inquiry after two-and-a-half-year-old Sukhdeep Singh Sidhu, known as Chhota Sidhu, reportedly made gun gestures at a Toronto concert. India Today reported that the organisation is also seeking counselling for his parents and directions against encouraging such gestures.

The complaint, signed by LFHRI general secretary Navkiran Singh, was addressed to the District Magistrate and the District Child Protection Unit and sent by speed post. It concerns the younger brother of Punjabi singer Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu, popularly known as Sidhu Moosewala, who was killed in a targeted shooting in May 2022.

Complaint cites Toronto appearance and subsequent video

According to the complaint, Sukhdeep appeared on stage at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto on October 9 during the opening show of the “Signed to God World Tour” hologram concert. His parents, Balkaur Singh and Charan Kaur, were present.

The toddler reportedly mimicked firing a pistol with his hand and made gunfire sounds. He also performed the thigh-slap gesture, known as the thaapi, associated with his late brother. The appearance drew applause, and footage circulated widely on social media.

LFHRI also cited a later video which, it alleges, shows adults prompting the child and teaching him pistol gestures. That allegation is part of the organisation’s complaint, not an established finding by child-protection authorities.

Counselling and interim directions sought

The organisation argues that encouraging a toddler to imitate gunfire could harm his psychological development and create safety risks. These are concerns raised by LFHRI; the reporting does not establish a clinical assessment of the child.

It has requested counselling for the parents and interim directions preventing them from teaching, encouraging or allowing the child to enact gunfire or firearm gestures, whether during public appearances or elsewhere. The complaint asks authorities to take cognisance under Section 36 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, and conduct an inquiry in the child’s interests.

LFHRI cited the circumstances of Moosewala’s killing, described in the report as linked to gang rivalry, to explain its safety concerns. It said its intervention was intended to protect the minor, rather than target the family or the singer’s memory.

No formal finding established

The complaint sought urgent intervention in light of the tour schedule. It listed a Vancouver show for October 15, followed by performances in Calgary, New York, Houston and Oakland, with the itinerary extending into early November. Those scheduled dates do not establish that the child appeared at subsequent shows.

The report does not establish whether authorities have issued any order or finding in response to the complaint. It also contains no response from the parents.