Mansa: Even ten days after the killing of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota, his body remains at the Civil Hospital in Mansa as his family and the Action Committee continue to stand firm on their demands. His post-mortem and last rites have not yet taken place, while the investigation has entered a new phase with questioning of family members and people linked to the accused.
On Thursday, October 22, Jhota was paid tribute in the Punjab Legislative Assembly. The Speaker and MLAs observed a two-minute silence in his memory.
Meanwhile, the team investigating the murder summoned Jhota’s father, Bhim Singh, mother, Amarjit Kaur, and wife, Manpreet Kaur, to the Mansa Rest House to record their statements. This was the family’s second meeting with the investigating team.
Family Questioned as Investigation Gathers Pace
The investigating team has set up a temporary office at the Mansa Rest House and is calling people connected to the case for questioning. According to information available, a list of individuals linked to the murder has been prepared. More people may be summoned to record their statements.
The team also visited the homes of Ashwini Kumar, the accused chemist, and Vipin Kumar, who is alleged to have helped him escape. People present at the locations and others in the surrounding area were questioned.
Investigators have also visited the site of Ashwini Kumar’s shop, which has since been demolished. The condition of the site could make it difficult to gather evidence from the premises.
The investigation is continuing as the authorities examine the circumstances surrounding Jhota’s killing and the alleged role of those connected to the case.
Accused Chemist and Wife to Appear in Court
Ashwini Kumar and his wife, Neelam, are due to be produced in court on Thursday as their current remand period ends. Police may seek further custody through a production remand to continue questioning them.
Vipin Kumar, who is accused of helping Ashwini Kumar escape, is also among those being examined in connection with the case. The investigation team is pursuing legal proceedings related to further questioning of the accused.
The authorities have also taken possession of documents connected with the case and have inspected the scene of the incident.
Second Meeting With SIT Fails to Break Deadlock
A second round of talks between the Special Investigation Team (SIT) and the Action Committee ended without a final agreement on Wednesday. The SIT includes three women IAS officers appointed by the Punjab government, while the Action Committee includes Jhota’s family members.
There had been speculation that the family might agree to the post-mortem after Jhota’s wife, Manpreet Kaur, sought permission from the sangat during the protest. However, the procedure remains pending because the family’s demands and the administration’s position have yet to be reconciled.
SIT member Apneet Riyat said the Action Committee had submitted 14 demands to the government. She stated that action had begun on the demand for a CBI inquiry and that agreement had been reached on several other points. However, some demands remain unresolved.
The committee’s representatives are expected to discuss the outstanding issues among themselves before holding further talks with the SIT.
Family Continues to Press for Justice
The family and the Action Committee have maintained their position on a list of 10 demands, including the resignation of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav.
The delay in the post-mortem and last rites has kept the case at the centre of attention in Mansa. The family continues to seek action and assurances over the circumstances of Jhota’s death.
Separately, the Punjab government has suspended a DSP and a drug inspector in connection with developments surrounding the case, following the earlier suspension of the Station House Officer (SHO).
With questioning continuing and discussions with the SIT still unresolved, the next steps will depend on the progress of the investigation and whether the administration and the Action Committee can reach an agreement on the outstanding demands.