World of Secrets: "The Killing Call" Season 8, Episode 5 – "The Last Ride"
Release Date: June 10, 2025
Introduction
In the gripping final episode of "The Killing Call," part of Season 8 of BBC's World of Secrets, hosts Bobby Friction and investigative journalist Ishleen Kaur delve deep into the mysterious and violent murder of Indian music sensation Sidhu Moose Wala. This two-year-long investigation uncovers a complex web of fame, power, vengeance, and an expansive criminal underworld extending beyond India's borders.
Sidhu Moose Wala: Fame and Passion
The episode begins by painting a vivid picture of Sidhu Moose Wala's life, highlighting his deep passion for firearms and the complications it brought to his career. Interviewee Chetan Mehta, owner of Boss Khan's Arms and Ammunition Shop, shares insights into Sidhu's affinity for guns.
Chetan Mehta [02:51]: "Whenever he saw a weapon, he just had to try it. You can see the emotion in his face when he remembers Sidhu's last months."
Sidhu's enthusiasm for firearms not only was a personal passion but also a source of trouble, exemplified by his unauthorized use of an AK47 at a shooting range, which led to police intervention without charges.
Entry into Politics: A Move for Protection and Good
Three months before his tragic death in February 2022, Sidhu made a surprising move into politics as a candidate for the Congress Party, India's oldest political party.
Sidhu Moose Wala [03:48]: "That's why I came to politics."
His foray into the political arena was driven by a genuine desire to effect positive change in his hometown, promoting development and improved healthcare, as explained by his friend Manjinda.
Manjinda [04:12]: "He wanted to bring development to his home district, building roads, improving things like cancer care."
However, Sidhu also perceived politics as a means of protection amidst growing threats, leading to increased security measures around him and his family.
The Murder: Unraveling the Night of May 29, 2022
On May 29, 2022, amidst heightened security concerns, Sidhu Moose Wala was assassinated in rural Punjab. The investigation revealed the involvement of six gunmen, with four arrested and two killed, though no convictions have been secured yet.
Police Officer Gurmeet Chauhan [07:22]: "Two of the main shooters were neutralized in a police action. 29 odd arrests have taken place."
Among those charged is Lawrence Bishnui, the leader of the infamous Bishnoi gang, still incarcerated in a high-security Indian jail. The most critical figure, Goldie Brar, who claimed responsibility for the murder, remains at large with an international arrest warrant issued.
The Investigation: A Global Conspiracy?
The investigation into Sidhu's murder revealed a sprawling conspiracy possibly extending internationally, with arrests in countries like Azerbaijan and the United States. The involvement of the Bishnoi gang, a formidable organized crime group, suggests deeper, cross-border criminal connections.
Ishleen Kaur [07:53]: "A trial process has started. Among those charged with Sidhu Musiala's murder is the gang leader Lawrence Bishnui."
Interview with Goldie Brar: Unveiling Motives
In a pivotal moment, Ishleen Kaur attempts to interview Goldie Brar, the man who took responsibility for Sidhu's murder. Despite technical difficulties, a fragmented conversation reveals Brar's chilling justifications.
Goldie Brar [13:59] [13:43]: "It wasn't a random execution. It was because of the things that he did. The people he was mixing with, he was associating with... Those who killed our brothers."
Brar alleges that Sidhu was entangled with their enemies, including politician Vicky Midukera and his cousin Gurlal Brar, suggesting Sidhu's complicity in their prior murders—a claim disputed by police.
Goldie Brar [16:01]: "It was either him or us. As simple as that."
Despite probing for evidence, Brar remains vague, offering no concrete proof of Sidhu's involvement in the murders he references.
Allegations Against the Indian Government: Canada's Shocking Claims
The narrative takes a global turn as Canadian authorities accuse agents of the Indian government of orchestrating criminal activities within Canada, linking them to the Bishnoi gang.
Ishleen Kaur [25:21]: "What we've seen is the use of organized crime elements... the Bishnoi group, the Lawrence Bishnoi gang."
These allegations coincide with past accusations implicating the Indian government in the assassination of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijar in British Columbia. India vehemently denies these claims, asserting a lack of evidence and labeling the allegations as pandering to Canada's Sikh community.
The Rise of the Bishnoi Gang: Expanding Criminal Influence
Lawrence Bishnui, once a law student, transformed into a notorious gang leader. Since Sidhu's murder, the Bishnoi gang's audacity has surged, with high-profile killings that echo their boldness.
Goldie Brar [26:36]: "The probable motive for the Lawrence Bishnoi gangster being linked to the killing was to establish his criminal influence in Mumbai."
Their ability to execute significant assassinations like that of politician Baba Siddiqui underscores their growing power and the pervasive fear they instill.
Extortion and Fear: The Gang's Grip on Punjab
The Bishnoi gang's operations extend into extortion and intimidation, fostering an environment of fear. Victims recount experiences of relentless threats and coercion, often leading to compliance through fear.
Manjinder Makha [28:35]: "I got this fake call saying give us 3 million rupees or we'll kill your son... He did know my brother's name, where I worked."
Instances of fake calls impersonating Goldie Brar to extort money reveal the gang's sophisticated intimidation tactics. The pervasive gun culture and glorification of gangster lifestyles further exacerbate the situation, especially among the youth.
Sidhu's Lyrics and Uncanny Predictions
Sidhu Moose Wala's music not only propelled him to fame but also eerily foreshadowed his untimely death. His lyrics often touched upon themes of violence and mortality, creating a haunting resonance posthumously.
Sidhu Moose Wala [35:49]: "Live fast, die young. That's the only choice... I want... my name should echo after I'm gone."
This premonition added a layer of mystique and tragedy to his legacy, with fans and investigators alike pondering the intersection of art and fate.
Legacy and the Quest for Justice
Sidhu's murder has left an indelible mark on his family and fans, who continue to seek justice amidst delays and bureaucratic hurdles. The birth of his son, Shupdeep Singh Sidhu, symbolizes hope amidst the lingering shadows of loss.
Ishleen Kaur [37:21]: "He loved my brother Shubdeep."
Conclusion: A City Shrouded in Fear and Violence
The episode concludes by reflecting on the transformed landscape of Punjab, once known for its green fields and aging populace, now overshadowed by violence and fear. The Brahnoi gang's reign and Sidhu's defiance encapsulate the ongoing struggle between power, revenge, and the quest for justice.
Ishleen Kaur [31:57]: "I think we have nailed down the reasons that Sidhu was killed. Power. First and foremost, people feared what Sidhu would become."
Production Credits
The Killing Call is a BBCI production, crafted by Bobby Friction and Ishleen Kaur, with a dedicated team ensuring the depth and quality of this investigative journey.
Final Thoughts
"The Last Ride" serves as a powerful closing chapter to "The Killing Call," intertwining personal tragedy with broader socio-political dynamics. It underscores the perilous intersections of fame, politics, and organized crime, leaving listeners with profound reflections on justice, legacy, and the human cost of power struggles.