Three years after the brutal daylight murder of Punjabi rapper Sidhu Moose Wala, the alleged mastermind behind the killing, Satinderjit Singhknown by his alias Goldy Brar has defended the act, stating it was the result of what he claims were “unforgivable” missteps by the artist.

Moose Wala, one of Punjab’s most influential modern cultural icons, was ambushed on May 29, 2022, while driving through his village in Mansa district. CCTV and eyewitness footage captured the chilling sequence: two cars tailing him, cutting him off, followed by a rain of bullets that left his Mahindra Thar SUV riddled with over 100 shots. A cousin and a friend were also injured in the attack, but the singer struck by 24 bullets was pronounced dead at the hospital.

The killing triggered widespread outrage, not just in India but across the global Punjabi diaspora. While six gunmen were identified and over 30 people arrested in the following weeks, the true motive remained unclear until now.

In a rare interview with the BBC, Brar, believed to be operating from North America, offered a chilling explanation for ordering the assassination. “In his arrogance, he [Moose Wala] made some mistakes that could not be forgiven,” Brar said. “We had no option but to kill him. He had to face the consequences of his actions. It was either him or us. As simple as that.”

Brar is no small-time criminal. He’s been designated a terrorist by India’s Ministry of Home Affairs under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. His name is linked to smuggling networks transporting arms and explosives across the India-Pakistan border using drones. Authorities also accuse him of ties to the banned Babbar Khalsa International and of engineering terror modules to destabilize Punjab.

Kabaddi Rivalry Sparked Feud That Led to Moose Wala’s Murder

The roots of the conflict trace back to a kabaddi tournament in Punjab. According to Brar, Moose Wala publicly supported rivals of his faction a move that reportedly angered jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and his associates. “He was promoting our rivals,” Brar claimed. “That’s when Lawrence and others were upset with him. They threatened Sidhu and said they wouldn’t spare him.”

Initially, efforts were made to de-escalate tensions through an intermediary, Vicky Middukhera, who was close to Bishnoi. However, Middukhera’s own assassination in August 2021 reignited hostilities. “Everyone knew Sidhu’s role, the police investigating knew, even the journalists who were investigating knew,” said Brar. “Sidhu mixed with politicians and people in power. He was using political power, money, and his resources to help our rivals.”

Frustrated with the lack of legal action, Brar said he felt there was no choice left. “He should have been booked. He should have been jailed. But nobody listened to our plea. So we took it upon ourselves. When decency falls on deaf ears, it’s the gunshot that gets heard.”

Moose Wala, born Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu, rose to fame after moving to Canada in 2016 for studies. He transformed himself into a lyrical powerhouse in Punjabi hip-hop, known for tracks addressing gun culture, rural pride, social unrest, and identity. He was a fan of Tupac Shakur and once said, “The day he died, people cried for him. I want the same. When I die, people should remember that I was someone.”

He achieved international success with over 5 billion YouTube views, a Top 5 UK chart placement, and collaborations with artists like Burna Boy. But his growing influence and political ambitions put him in the crosshairs of underworld syndicates.

Lawrence Bishnoi, Brar’s ally, is believed to run one of India’s most notorious organised crime groups from behind bars. Originally involved in student politics, Bishnoi turned to extortion and armed violence. “Once he was in jail, he started to get deeper into crime,” said Assistant Inspector General Gurmeet Singh Chauhan. “They need money for weapons, for manpower. So, they get into extortion or crime.”

While Bishnoi commands from inside prison, Brar handles operations abroad. Investigators believe that despite arrests and so-called police “encounters,” the gang remains active. “So while Bishnoi sits in jail, Brar handles the gangs,” said Chauhan.

BBC Eye’s months-long investigation included conversations with Brar, conducted via voice notes over a six-hour exchange. When asked if his actions amounted to justice or mere vigilantism, Brar dismissed the premise entirely. “Law. Justice. There’s no such thing,” he declared. “Only the powerful can… [obtain] justice, not ordinary people like us. I did what I had to do for my brother. I have no remorse whatsoever.”

As of today, despite global warrants and diplomatic pressure, Brar remains on the run. No trial has been held in Moose Wala’s murder, and the families of both the victim and the accused await justice.

Moose Wala’s legacy, however, continues to grow. His music remains widely streamed, his name still etched in the cultural memory of a generation that saw in him both defiance and truth.