Firing at Singer Gulab Sidhu's Residence Highlights Rising Gang Threat to Punjabi Artists

A late-night firing incident at the residence of Punjabi singer and actor Gulab Sidhu in Farwahi village, Barnala, has once again underscored the growing security risks faced by figures in the Punjabi music industry. Three unidentified individuals on a motorcycle reportedly fired six rounds at the main gate of Sidhu's house. Despite CCTV footage of the incident going viral and fugitive gangster Balwinder Singh, alias Doni Ball, claiming responsibility via alleged audio clips, local police have yet to issue an official statement three days after the event. The attack on Gulab Sidhu is part of a broader pattern of violence, extortion, and intimidation targeting Punjabi artists both in India and abroad. The trend gained prominent attention in 2018 when singer Parmish Verma was shot in Mohali. Four years later, in May 2022, acclaimed singer Shubhdeep Singh, popularly known as Sidhu Moosewala, was fatally shot in Jawaharke village, Mansa district. These safety concerns have increasingly extended beyond Indian borders into countries like Canada. Singer Karan Aujla's Canadian residence has been targeted multiple times. Similarly, shots were fired outside singer Gippy Grewal's home in Canada in 2023, and singer AP Dhillon's residence was targeted in 2024. More recently, a vehicle associated with Punjabi singer Ammy Virk was fired upon in Canada. Other prominent figures have also faced similar threats. Comedian Kapil Sharma's café was subjected to three separate firing incidents last year, while singer Mankirt Aulakh has repeatedly received death threats from criminal elements. Family members of prominent artists express growing anxiety over the situation, noting that the fame and financial success earned through hard work have made performers prime targets for criminal gangs and extortion networks operating across international borders.