Tensions escalated in Punjab’s Mansa district on Wednesday, a day after the fatal shooting of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota. The activist, who had gained prominence for his public campaigns against the illegal sale of narcotics, was killed on Tuesday while recording a Facebook Live video. During the stream, Jhota was seen confronting Ashwani Kumar, a local medical shop owner, over allegations that the store was selling intoxicating drugs. The confrontation turned violent when Kumar brandished a firearm and opened fire, resulting in the death of Jhota and injuries to his associate.
Following the killing, public anger intensified in the region. On Wednesday, a group of protesters arrived at Kumar’s pharmacy with a bulldozer, proceeding to raze the structure before setting its remains on fire. Concurrently, state authorities initiated their own demolition action at the accused’s residence. Officials stated that a portion of the house’s boundary wall and its front structure were pulled down, citing findings of unauthorised construction on the premises.
Law enforcement agencies moved quickly to contain the situation. Police confirmed on Wednesday that the murder accused, Ashwani Kumar, had been apprehended in the neighbouring state of Rajasthan. Officials indicated that the process to bring him back to Mansa for further investigation and legal proceedings was underway. While protesters attempted to march toward the accused’s home after destroying his shop, security forces were deployed to block their advance and maintain order in the area.
Jhota, 42, was a well-known figure who had dedicated his efforts to combating the drug menace in Punjab. A former sportsperson who had previously struggled with substance abuse, he had transformed his personal experience into a platform for activism. He frequently confronted medical shop owners and alleged drug peddlers, documenting these encounters live on social media to highlight the illegal trade. He is survived by his parents, his wife, and two sons.
In the aftermath of the killing, Jhota’s father, Bhim Singh, expressed his grief and frustration at the hospital, placing the blame on the state government. He alleged that the persistent sale of illegal drugs in Punjab pointed to a systemic collapse. “My son had saved thousands of lives. He was killed by drug traffickers,” he said, demanding that the government be held accountable for the security situation. The murder has sparked widespread concern regarding the safety of activists and the efficacy of measures to curb the drug crisis in the state.
The events in Mansa underscore the high-stakes conflict surrounding the drug trade in the region. As the investigation into the shooting proceeds, authorities face mounting pressure to address the public outcry and ensure the legal process against the accused is conducted swiftly. The government is yet to provide a detailed response regarding the specific administrative actions taken against the property of the accused, while local communities continue to demand tighter control over the illegal sale of pharmaceutical drugs.
Comments