CHANDIGARH, Oct 20: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday announced that his government would hand over the investigation into the killing of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), accepting a key demand raised by the victim’s family.
In a post on X in Punjabi, Mann expressed solidarity with Jhota’s father and other family members, assuring them of the government’s support. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to tackling the illegal drug trade in the state.
“Accepting the demand of the family, we are handing over this case to the CBI,” Mann said, adding that his government would take whatever necessary steps were required to make Punjab drug-free.
Jhota’s family had been seeking a central agency investigation into the killing, which took place on October 13 in Mansa district.
The activist, who was known for confronting the alleged illegal sale of addictive substances at chemist shops, was shot inside a medical store in a crowded marketplace. He was reportedly questioning the shop owner over the sale of drugs to an elderly customer when the incident occurred.
The accused, identified as Ashwani Kumar, the owner of the store, was taken into custody from Salasar in Rajasthan. Jhota was hosting a Facebook Live session when the shooting took place, bringing the incident to wider public attention.
The killing sparked protests in Mansa and intensified political criticism of the state government over the drug menace and law-and-order situation.
Seven days after the shooting, Jhota’s post-mortem examination and cremation had yet to take place. His relatives and supporters have refused to conduct the last rites, insisting that justice must be secured before the funeral proceeds.
Protesters have continued their demonstration in Mansa, demanding accountability for the killing. A joint action committee comprising various organisations and social activists was formed following the incident and has been pressing for a CBI investigation.
The demonstrators have also called for the resignation of Mann and Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav. They have sought the removal of the Mansa senior superintendent of police, deputy superintendent of police, station house officer and drug inspector.
The announcement comes amid heightened political tensions in Punjab, which is scheduled to go to the polls early next year. The incident has become a point of contention between the ruling government and its critics, particularly over efforts to curb drug trafficking and the alleged availability of addictive substances through illegal channels.
The transfer of the case to the CBI is expected to address the family’s demand for an independent investigation. Further developments will depend on the formal transfer of the case and the subsequent investigative process.
The killing has renewed attention on the risks faced by individuals who publicly challenge suspected drug-related activities, while the continuing protest reflects the family’s demand for accountability and a transparent investigation.