Tension in Punjab after murder of anti-drug activist, Mob Vandalises Accused Chemist’s Shop, Sets It on Fire

October 14, 2026

Mansa: The district administration and police on Wednesday demolished the house and medical store of Ashwini Kumar, the main accused in the murder case of Parminder Singh Jhotta, in Punjab’s Mansa.

According to the police administration, the accused had allegedly built his house using money earned through drug trafficking. Officials said bulldozer action was carried out against the property in the presence of Mansa Deputy Commissioner (DC), Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) and other officials.

Angry Crowd Vandalises Medical Store, Sets It on Fire

During the demolition drive, a large number of people gathered at the spot. Before the medical store was demolished, people allegedly vandalised the premises and took medicines and other items outside.

According to reports from the spot, people threw medicines and other goods out of the shop. After the bulldozer demolished the store, an angry crowd set fire to the premises.

Videos from the site showed people climbing onto the bulldozer during the demolition and a large crowd gathering around the property.

Action Follows Parminder Singh Jhotta Murder

The demolition comes after the killing of Parminder Singh Jhotta in Mansa, which triggered outrage over the incident and concerns over law and order in Punjab.

The administration’s action against the main accused’s properties marks a significant development in the case. However, the police’s allegations regarding the source of the property’s funding have not been independently established in the information available.

Police have arrested chemist Ashwini Kumar in connection with the shooting death of anti-drug activist Parvinder Jhota (45) in Mansa, Punjab. It is reported that Ashwini shot Jhota three times during a Facebook Live on Tuesday. According to police sources, the accused was arrested in Salasar, Rajasthan.

Jhota’s murder has sparked widespread anger among Sikh organizations. The organizations have called for a Mansa shutdown today. The deceased’s family is refusing to perform the last rites. They are demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) investigation into the case and the resignation of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and DGP Gaurav Yadav.