Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday promised stringent action against those responsible for the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota, assuring an impartial investigation and warning that no one involved in the crime or any alleged conspiracy would be spared.
With the killing triggering widespread anger in Mansa and intensifying political attacks on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, Mann appealed to people across Punjab to maintain peace.
"The tragic incident that occurred yesterday in Mansa district is highly condemnable. The youth of Punjab is our asset, and any tampering with the law and order situation in the state will not be tolerated at any cost," Mann said.
"Instructions have been issued to the police to take strict action in this matter. Strict action as per the law will be ensured against those who take the law into their own hands".
Jhota was allegedly shot dead by a medical store owner during a confrontation over the sale of prohibited drugs, with the incident captured on camera.
Calling the incident unfortunate, the Chief Minister said he had instructed the Punjab Police to investigate the case thoroughly and ensure that justice was delivered. He also assured action against any police or government official found involved in the crime.
The murder triggered widespread anger in Mansa, where shops in the main bazaar remained shut in protest. Hundreds of residents and supporters gathered, demanding justice and action against those responsible.
"I appeal to people to maintain peace," Mann said, adding that the strictest punishment would be given to the culprits. He said anyone found involved in the murder, irrespective of their influence or connections, would be taken to task.
Expressing sympathy with the activist’s family, Mann said the investigation would establish the circumstances surrounding the killing and identify everyone involved in the alleged conspiracy.
His appeal comes amid growing public anger over Jhota’s death and renewed scrutiny of the state government’s efforts to curb drug abuse.
The Chief Minister also said the main accused had been arrested, as the police investigation gathered momentum following the daylight shooting in Mansa.
CASE REGISTERED UNDER BNS, ARMS ACT
The Mansa police registered a case at City-2 police station on Wednesday under Sections 103(1), 109, 118(1), 61(2) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Sections 25 and 27 of the Arms Act.
According to the complaint, Jhota was shot during a confrontation near Ashwani Medical Hall in Ward No. 9 on Watt Works Road in Mansa. He was rushed to Civil Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. His body was subsequently sent for post-mortem examination.
The complaint names Ashwani Kumar, a Mansa resident, as the main accused and refers to unidentified associates who allegedly accompanied him. Eyewitness Bhupinderpal Singh, also known as Ruby, was present with Jhota during the incident.
According to the account recorded in the complaint, Jhota was attempting to flee towards Boot House when Ashwani Kumar and his associates allegedly opened fire. Kulwinder Singh, also known as Sukhi, and some passers-by were reported injured in the firing.
The incident was captured on video, with footage reportedly showing the confrontation and shooting. Jhota had also been livestreaming the incident on Facebook, and multiple videos of the episode are said to exist.
The complaint further raises allegations of a possible wider conspiracy, including the role of an unidentified person who was allegedly speaking to the main accused over the phone.
Allegations concerning the possible involvement of politicians, police personnel and drug smugglers have also been flagged for investigation. These claims remain subject to verification.
OPPOSITION ATTACKS MANN GOVT
The killing has intensified the Opposition’s offensive against the Bhagwant Mann-led government, with Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal leaders questioning the state’s law-and-order situation and the effectiveness of its anti-drug campaign, 'Yudh Nashian Virudh'.
Former Punjab chief minister and Congress leader Charanjit Singh Channi appealed to Punjabis to unite against what he described as the government’s failure to protect the state’s youngsters and future.
"Agreeing with the call given by Parvinder Jhota’s father, I appeal to all Punjabis: If we want to save Punjab’s youth and our future, we must wake up and show this sleeping government the door," Channi said in a post on X.
Opposition leaders have accused the AAP government of failing to adequately protect those speaking out against the drug menace. The ruling party, meanwhile, has maintained that the guilty will face strict action.
With the main accused arrested and the FIR outlining several allegations that require further investigation, the focus now shifts to establishing the complete sequence of events, examining the alleged conspiracy and determining whether others were involved.
The police investigation and the government’s response are likely to remain under close public and political scrutiny as demands for justice grow in Punjab.
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