MANSA: A child rights organisation has reportedly approached authorities in Punjab’s Mansa district, seeking an inquiry into the appearance of 2.5-year-old Sukhdeep Singh Sidhu, popularly known as Chhota Sidhu, at a concert in Toronto earlier this month.
According to media reports, Lawyers for Human Rights International (LFHRI) submitted a complaint on October 17 to the District Magistrate and the District Child Protection Unit, seeking measures to safeguard the child’s welfare.
The complaint states that the toddler appeared on stage during the opening show of the ‘Signed to God World Tour’ hologram concert at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto on October 9. Videos circulating on social media reportedly showed him making hand gestures resembling pistol firing and imitating gunshot sounds.
He was also seen performing the thaapi, or thigh-slap, gesture associated with his late elder brother, Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala.
Moosewala, whose real name was Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu, was shot dead in Punjab in May 2022.
The organisation has reportedly raised concerns about the possible impact of encouraging a young child to imitate firearm gestures. It has sought parental counselling and interim directions to prevent such gestures during public appearances.
The complaint also requests an inquiry under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.
