Diljit Dosanjh's Satluj Removed from ZEE5 Two Days After Release: Who Was Jaswant Singh Khalra, the Activist Behind the Story?

BY: Mary Rose Baba

Publish: Mon, 6 Jul 2026 (16:09 IST) Updated: Mon, 6 Jul 2026 (16:10 IST)

The recently released film 'Satluj', starring Diljit Dosanjh and inspired by the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, has been removed from the OTT platform ZEE5 just two days after its digital premiere. The decision has sparked criticism from the actor as well as leaders across the political spectrum.

Originally announced as 'Ghallughara' and later renamed 'Punjab 95', the film finally debuted under the title 'Satluj' after facing nearly three years of delays.

ZEE5 Cites 'Current Circumstances'

In a statement, ZEE5 confirmed that the film has been taken down until further notice due to the "current circumstances." However, the streaming platform did not elaborate on the reasons behind the move.

The company said it is exploring all legal avenues to restore the film to its platform as soon as possible.

Satluj may have paused. But the conversation it started hasn’t.

Thank you for the incredible love.
We hope to bring it back soon.#Satluj pic.twitter.com/Ox3MZIBvlT

— ZEE5Official (@ZEE5India) July 5, 2026

Diljit Dosanjh Reacts

Reacting to the film's removal, Diljit Dosanjh expressed disappointment, saying the issue extends beyond the film itself and reflects a broader concern about "humanity."

The actor noted that once content reaches the internet, it is difficult to erase completely. He added that he had anticipated such a situation and believed that even a short release would allow audiences to watch the film. Diljit also suggested that the project had faced obstacles similar to those encountered by Jaswant Singh Khalra during his lifetime.

Security Concerns Behind the Decision

Citing government sources, PTI reported that authorities were concerned that certain portions of the film could be misused by anti-India groups to promote pro-Khalistan narratives, particularly ahead of the Punjab Assembly elections.

According the report, the national security considerations were the primary reason behind the decision and should not be interpreted through a political lens.

Who Was Jaswant Singh Khalra?

The film chronicles the life of Jaswant Singh Khalra, a prominent human rights activist who investigated allegations of illegal cremations and fake encounters during Punjab's militancy period in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Using cremation records, municipal documents, and official registers, Khalra alleged that around 25,000 people had been unlawfully killed and cremated as unidentified bodies.

His findings led to investigations by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and the judiciary.

While the CBI did not validate Khalra's estimate of 25,000 deaths, it confirmed 2,097 illegal cremations in Tarn Taran district, findings that were later referenced in Supreme Court proceedings.

Khalra's Disappearance and Court Verdict

Khalra disappeared in September 1995 after his family alleged he had been taken into illegal police custody.

A subsequent CBI investigation concluded that he had been abducted and unlawfully detained by police personnel. Several officers were prosecuted, and multiple convictions followed.

In 2022, the Supreme Court upheld life imprisonment for five convicted police officers, describing custodial violence as a serious attack on the rule of law.

Former Punjab Police chief K.P.S. Gill was mentioned during the investigation by a witness, but the CBI later said it found insufficient evidence to prosecute him, and he was not named in the chargesheet. 

Film Faced Years of Delays

The project was first announced in 2022 under the title 'Ghallughara' before being renamed 'Punjab 95' following objections from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

Media reports had claimed that the CBFC suggested 127 cuts and several modifications, including changes to historical references and character names. The film did not receive certification for a theatrical release in India and was eventually released directly on OTT as 'Satluj'.

Political Leaders Criticise Removal

The film's removal has drawn criticism from leaders across party lines.

In a post on X, Shiromani Akali Dal Presedent Sukhbir Singh Badal wrote, "Shocked and saddened by the arbitrary removal of Satluj from ZEE5 in India. A powerful film that courageously unveils Punjab’s painful history and honours the supreme sacrifice of S. Jaswant Singh Ji Khalra cannot be silenced this way. This is not mere censorship — it is an assault on our collective memory, truth, and freedom of expression. I strongly condemn this move. Punjab deserves to confront its past with honesty, not suppression."

Shocked and saddened by the arbitrary removal of #Satluj from #ZEE5 in India.
A powerful film that courageously unveils Punjab’s painful history and honours the supreme sacrifice of S. Jaswant Singh Ji Khalra cannot be silenced this way.
This is not mere censorship — it is an… pic.twitter.com/yfrkMKYq5D

— Sukhbir Singh Badal (@officeofssbadal) July 5, 2026

Aam Aadmi Party leader Kuldeep Dhaliwal also criticised the move and said, "Ban on the film should be revoked, should be released in theatres; it portrays Punjab's dark history.”

VIDEO | Amritsar: “Ban on the film should be revoked, should be released in theatres; it portrays Punjab's dark history”, says AAP leader Kuldeep Dhaliwal on removal of film Satluj from OTT.

(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/yHkIHfWTgy

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 6, 2026