Mansa: Anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota was shot dead in Punjab’s Mansa on Tuesday morning while confronting a medical store owner over the alleged sale of synthetic drugs. The incident was reportedly captured on video that Jhota was recording during the confrontation.
The accused medical store owner has been identified as Ashwani Kumar, who fled after the shooting, according to media reports citing police. Authorities are searching for him. Jhota’s associate was also seriously injured in the firing and admitted to a hospital.
The killing has raised fresh concerns about the safety of activists campaigning against drug abuse and the alleged illegal sale of intoxicating substances in the region.
Activist Shot During Confrontation Over Alleged Drug Sales
Jhota, who was associated with an anti-drug task force, had been campaigning against drug trafficking and the alleged sale of addictive substances for a long time. He reportedly confronted individuals suspected of selling drugs and mobilised local communities to oppose the drug menace.
He was also known on social media as “Jhota” for recording confrontations with people he accused of selling prohibited capsules and other intoxicating substances through medical stores in Mansa and nearby areas.
According to reports, Jhota confronted Kumar over the alleged sale of synthetic drugs at his medical store. Video footage of the incident reportedly shows the shop owner threatening Jhota with a pistol before opening fire.
Mansa Civil Hospital Senior Medical Officer Gurmail Singh told the media that Jhota had sustained three bullet injuries. One of the bullets pierced his liver, leading to his death, the doctor said.
Anti-Drug Campaign Had Mobilised Village Communities
Jhota had actively campaigned against drug abuse and allegedly illegal sales of intoxicating substances. His efforts reportedly prompted several village panchayats to pass resolutions opposing drug abuse.
However, his confrontations with people he accused of drug-related activities had also drawn controversy.
Shortly before his death, Jhota had reportedly posted a video on social media urging the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to investigate the alleged sale of synthetic drugs through medical stores in Mansa.
The reported killing has renewed concerns over the risks faced by people who publicly challenge suspected drug-related activities. Police were searching for the accused, according to reports published on Tuesday.
Punjab Congress Chief Raja Warring Condemns Killing
Reacting to the incident, Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring blamed the state government over the law-and-order situation and its anti-drug campaign, Yudh Nashean Virudh.
“The daylight murder of Parvinder Singh Jhota is a direct result of the failed law and order and failed ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ of the @BhagwantMann govt,” Warring said.
He alleged that Jhota’s efforts to fight the drug menace had not received adequate support from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government.
“Parvinder stood up against Punjab’s drug menace but his initiatives were never supported by the @AAPPunjab govt. His broad daylight murder exposes serious failures of the AAP Govt. My heart goes out to bereaved family and supporters,” he wrote on X.
Warring also recalled meeting Jhota’s father and family in 2023, when the activist was arrested in a case that the Congress leader described as false. He expressed condolences to the family and prayed for strength for them during the difficult time.