Punjab Anti-Drug Activist Shot Dead in Mansa, Political Row Erupts

An anti-drug activist, Parvinder Singh Jhota, was shot dead in Mansa, Punjab, on Tuesday during a confrontation with a local medical store owner. The incident occurred while Jhota was live-streaming a discussion on his Facebook account regarding the alleged illegal sale of intoxicating substances. The shooting has since ignited a significant political confrontation in the state, drawing sharp criticism from opposition parties against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.In the video recording, which spans approximately five minutes, Jhota is seen standing outside a chemist shop alongside an elderly man he claimed had purchased narcotics from the store. A heated dispute ensued as Jhota demanded the shop owner present CCTV footage to verify his claims. As the argument escalated, the shop owner, who was seen holding a firearm, eventually opened fire. The live feed concluded abruptly when the mobile device fell to the ground during the struggle. Local reports indicate that the accused shop owner is currently absconding.The killing has prompted immediate backlash from political figures who have accused the state administration of failing to maintain law and order. BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari took to social media to target the AAP government, alleging that the ruling party is “shielding the drug mafia” in Punjab. He explicitly referenced the collapse of the state's security apparatus and demanded accountability from the current leadership, suggesting the government has been unable to provide a safe environment for citizens.Opposition leaders from the Congress and the Shiromani Akali Dal have also raised concerns regarding the state's efficacy in managing the drug crisis. Critics have particularly targeted the government's flagship anti-drug initiative, 'Yudh Nashian Virudh', arguing that the campaign has failed to yield tangible results. The incident has intensified the ongoing debate surrounding the state’s drug menace and the safety of activists working to expose illegal pharmaceutical operations.Jhota had established a significant presence in Mansa and surrounding regions through his prolonged campaign against drug abuse. With over 24,000 followers on Facebook, he frequently used the platform to document his interventions at various medical stores. This was not his first encounter with legal authorities regarding his activism. In 2023, Jhota was involved in a highly publicized dispute with a chemist, which resulted in police registering cases against him and his associates for alleged assault, trespassing, and rioting. He was subsequently arrested in July 2023 and remained in custody for approximately two months before being released.The current climate in Punjab remains tense following the murder, with various political factions demanding a swift investigation and the immediate arrest of the perpetrator. The death of the activist has brought the issue of illegal drug distribution through medical outlets back to the forefront of state discourse, highlighting a persistent challenge for local law enforcement. While the police investigation into the murder continues, the incident serves as a flashpoint for broader questions regarding government policy, the influence of the drug mafia, and the risks faced by activists operating in the state.As the case progresses, the focus remains on the efforts of local authorities to track down the suspect and the mounting pressure from the opposition for more robust legislative and enforcement measures to tackle the drug problem in Punjab.