Deep Sidhu: Actor, Activist, Accused in Red Fort Violence During Farmers Protest Dies in an Accident

Deep Sidhu, a Punjabi actor-turned-activist, died on February 15 after his car collided with a truck on the Kundli-Manesar-Palwal expressway in Haryana's Sonipat district, according to police. The activist, 37, was reportedly traveling from Delhi to Punjab when the event occurred at the Pipli toll plaza in Kharkhoda.

"Deep Sidhu died in the accident," stated Inspector Jaspal Singh. A female companion who was with him was brought to the hospital, where her condition was stable." He stated that an inquiry to determine the actual reason for the accident is going on.

"Deeply saddened to read about the terrible loss of famous actor and social activist Deep Sidhu," said Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi in a tweet. My heartfelt condolences go out to the bereaved family and his fans."

What was the Controversy Around Red Fort Violence on Republic Day?

On Republic Day 2021, Delhi witnessed chaos as a tractor march by farmers protesting farm rules devolved into violence. A group of farmers from Singhu near the Delhi-Haryana border deviated from the intended path and attempted to march towards Delhi, leading police to charge with batons and lob tear gas shells.

A tractor overturned at the busy ITO crossing, killing a young Uttarakhand protestor. Activists stormed the historic Red Fort, hoisting the sacred Sikh flag Nishan Sahib. Sidhu was arrested on February 9 on allegations of inciting protestors during the event and was given bail on April 17 after being detained by police for almost 70 days.

He, on the other hand, denied inciting demonstrators at the Red Fort and stated that the flag was hoisted there "in a flow of emotions." Since questioned why he traveled to the Red Fort when it was not on the path permitted by officials for the tractor parade, Sidhu said he went because everyone was, but he had no "bad intentions."

Who was Deep Sidhu?

Sidhu, who was born in the Punjab district of Mukstar in 1984, studied law before turning to act. In 2015, he began his career as a model and landed his first film, Ramta Jogi, produced by actor Dharmendra-led Vijeta productions. However, he rose to fame in 2018 after portraying a gangster in "Jora 10 Numbaria."

Sidhu was involved in a farmers' protest that began in September 2020 to express opposition to the Centre's three agriculture laws. Sidhu's involvement in the demonstrations gained prominence as videos encouraging the movement went viral on social media. He was charged with being a main conspirator in the 2021 Republic Day tractor rally violence by protesting farmers.