A child rights group has written to the authorities in Punjab after 2.5-year-old Sukhdeep Singh Sidhu, popularly known as Chhota Sidhu, was seen making gun gestures during a concert in Toronto. Lawyers for Human Rights International (LFHRI) has asked for an inquiry into the incident and for steps to protect the toddler’s welfare. The group says the complaint is only about the child’s safety.
Child rights body files complaint in Mansa
According to the News18 report, LFHRI filed its complaint on October 17 with the District Magistrate and the District Child Protection Unit in Mansa. The group wants officials to look into the matter and make sure the child is safe. It has raised concerns that the toddler may be encouraged to copy firearm gestures during public appearances.The incident took place at the opening show of the ‘Signed to God World Tour’, a hologram concert dedicated to late singer Sidhu Moosewala.
What happened at the Toronto concert
As per the complaint, Sukhdeep Singh came on stage at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto on October 9. His parents, Balkaur Singh and Charan Kaur, were also at the event.During the appearance, the child was seen making a pistol shape with his hand and mimicking the sound of gunfire by saying “tha tha tha”. He also did the “thaapi”, a thigh-slap gesture that became closely linked with Sidhu Moosewala.The audience applauded the moment, and videos of the toddler’s actions soon spread widely on social media. LFHRI has also pointed to another video that, in its view, appears to show adults around the child prompting or teaching him to make the pistol gesture. The group has asked authorities to examine the circumstances behind these videos and ensure such behaviour is not encouraged at future events.
Welfare concerns raised
LFHRI has expressed worry about the possible effect of repeatedly exposing a child who is just two and a half years old to such gestures or encouraging them. The organisation argued that copying the use of firearms at such a young age could raise questions about his psychological development and safety.It has asked the Mansa district administration and the District Child Protection Unit to take suitable steps so that the toddler is not encouraged to repeat these gestures at concerts or other public events.The group also made it clear that the complaint is not meant to target the family or reduce the memory of Sidhu Moosewala. According to LFHRI, its focus is only on the welfare and protection of the child.
Complaint comes during an ongoing hologram tour
The Toronto show was part of the ‘Signed to God World Tour’, which features a hologram performance of Sidhu Moosewala. The singer was killed in a targeted shooting in May 2022.The complaint states that the tour moved to Vancouver on October 15, with shows planned in Calgary, New York, Houston and Oakland. The tour is expected to run into early November 2026.Because of these upcoming dates, LFHRI has sought what it called urgent intervention, saying the child could keep appearing at tour-related events. It wants authorities to check whether adults around him are actively encouraging the imitation of firearms and to set up safeguards if required.The complaint has been submitted in Mansa, where Sidhu Moosewala’s family is based. No response from the district administration or the family was mentioned in the material available.