New Delhi: The death of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala continues to generate controversy, this time involving a recently published book about his life. Author Manjinder Singh Makha, who penned “The Real Reason Why Legend Died,” now faces criminal charges following a complaint filed by Moose Wala’s father, Balkaur Singh.
The complaint alleges that the book contains unfounded defamatory allegations, and that Makha stole photographs from the family home.
Balkaur Singh’s complaint, filed with the Mansa senior superintendent of police, details several accusations against Makha. He asserts that the book is a “farce, false and concocted story based on conjecture and surmises,” damaging both his reputation and that of his deceased son.
“The present complaint is in reference to a book namely ‘The real reason why legend died’ that is written by Makha. The same was published on September 20 by the accused and also in reference to videos, podcasts on private YouTube channels given by the accused regarding the book and as well as my family. The said book and videos are insulting, highly defamatory and the contents printed in the said book are libelous against me and my family which has not only harmed reputation of my deceased son but also resulted in defamation to his family members,” he said in the complaint.
Beyond the book itself, the complaint also cites defamatory content shared by Makha on social media platforms, further amplifying the alleged damage. A legal notice has also been served to Makha, who claims that the slain was his close friend, by Moose Wala’s father.
The Mansa police subsequently registered a case against Makha under several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Bihar Non-bailable and Summary Trial Act (BNS). The charges include trespassing (Section 451 IPC), breach of trust (Section 406 IPC), robbery (Section 390 IPC), and defamation through a written or pictorial medium (Section 356(3) BNS).
The FIR further incorporates the allegation of theft, specifically mentioning that Makha stole photographs from Balkaur Singh’s residence in 2023. The police investigation, as detailed in the FIR by sub-inspector Amrik Singh, indicates that Makha’s actions were intentional, undertaken without permission from the family, and aimed at causing harm and distress to the complainant through defamation of his son’s memory.
The investigation is underway to further ascertain the facts and determine the extent of Makha’s actions. The case highlights the legal complexities surrounding the publication of biographical works, particularly when sensitive issues and allegations of defamation are involved. This case will likely set a precedent for future discussions regarding the balance between freedom of expression and the protection of individual reputations, especially in the context of public figures and their families.
