Goldy Brar.
Credit: X/@ocjain4
The gang culture in Punjab is one that follows the agenda of extortion in order to make a living as well as in their own terms right the wrong that has been inflicted upon them.
In 2022, the assasination Punjab’s hip-hop star -- Sidhu Moosewala-- was justified with this motive.
It may be recalled that Moosewala was shot dead through the windscreen of his car by hired gunmen. A few hours after the murder, UK gang leader Goldy Brar took responsibility for hiring the gunmen through a Facebook post.
It is presumed that Brar, was in Canada at that time.
Three years have gone by since the killing and no one has faced jail time and the whereabouts of Brar is unknown.
However, BBC Eye managed to catch up with the gangster. In the interview with BBC, that lasted over six hours where the conversation was pieced together through an exchange of voice notes, Brar said that Sidhu had committed certain mistakes that were unforgivable.
"In his arrogance, he (Moose Wala) made some mistakes that could not be forgiven," Brar said in the interview.
In the weeks that followed Moosewalah's murder, six gunmen were identified carrying AK-47 guns and pistols. Thirty people were also arrested and the two suspects were taken down by the Indian police in “encounters”.
"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 added.
Brar also went on to criticise the judicial system and the battle for justice, and said only powerful people can get their way.
At the time of Moosewalah's death, journalist Jupinderjit Singh had said that the fear factor around gangsters has risen in Punjab which kind of justifies Brar's recent statements.