CBI Takes Over Parvinder Singh Jhota Murder Probe, Team Reaches Punjab

October 21, 2026

Chandigarh: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken over the investigation into the killing of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Punjab’s Mansa district and registered an FIR in the case. A team of the central agency has reached Punjab to begin its investigation, officials said on Wednesday.

The development comes a day after Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced that the case would be handed over to the CBI following a demand from Jhota’s family. His killing has triggered a political controversy in the state, where drug abuse remains a major concern ahead of the Assembly elections scheduled for early next year.

Mann said on Tuesday that his government stood firmly with Jhota’s father and family, who have been seeking justice for the activist. In a post on X, the Chief Minister said the decision to transfer the case to the CBI had been taken in response to the family’s demand.

He also reiterated his government’s commitment to tackling drug trafficking in Punjab, saying it would take strict action against those involved in the trade.

Parvinder Singh Jhota Was Shot Dead in Mansa

Jhota, who had been actively fighting against drugs, was shot dead in an open market in Mansa on October 13. According to the information provided in the case, the accused, Ashwani Kumar, a store owner, allegedly shot Jhota after the activist questioned him over the suspected sale of drugs to an elderly man.

Kumar was later apprehended by officials in Salasar, Rajasthan.

Despite a week having passed since the killing, Jhota’s last rites had not been performed as his family continued to demand justice. The delay has added to the tension surrounding the case and intensified calls for action.

Amit Shah Meets Family, Assures Justice

Union Home Minister Amit Shah met Jhota’s family on Tuesday and assured them that justice would be delivered. The meeting came amid growing public and political attention over the killing.

Earlier, Shah had criticised the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab over the drug problem. He had also said that his office would seek a report from the state government on Jhota’s killing.

The BJP has accused the ruling AAP government of failing to curb the drug menace in Punjab. The CBI’s takeover of the case is now expected to bring the investigation under the central agency as the family continues to seek justice for the slain activist.