Diljit Dosanjh Stands With Jhota’s Family
Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh has expressed solidarity with the family of slain anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh ‘Jhota’, describing him as a martyr and demanding justice following his killing in Mansa.
On Sunday, Diljit shared a photograph of Jhota on Instagram and said that Punjab stood with the bereaved family during this difficult time. Calling him “Shaheed Parvinder Singh”, the singer appealed for justice for the family, adding to the growing public attention surrounding the case.
Jhota Shot Dead at Medical Store in Mansa
Jhota was shot dead on October 13 at a medical store in a busy marketplace in Mansa. According to the account of the incident, he had questioned the store owner, Ashwani Kumar, over the alleged sale of addictive substances to an elderly man. The owner allegedly opened fire on Jhota while the activist was conducting a Facebook Live session.
The accused was subsequently taken into custody from Salasar in Rajasthan, according to the report.
Jhota was known for raising his voice against the alleged illegal sale of addictive substances through chemist shops. His killing has triggered protests and renewed demands for action against drug-related activities in Punjab.
Family Refuses Last Rites, Demands Justice
Days after the killing, Jhota’s post-mortem and cremation remained pending as his family members and supporters continued their protest in Mansa. They have refused to conduct the last rites until their demands for justice are addressed.
A joint action committee comprising various organisations and social activists has also been formed following the incident. The committee is demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the killing, along with the resignations of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav, among other demands.
Neeru Bajwa Halts ‘Thaapi’ Amid Public Outrage
The public response to Jhota’s killing has also affected Punjab’s entertainment industry. Punjabi actress Neeru Bajwa announced on Sunday that screenings of her latest film, Thaapi, would be put on hold amid the ongoing outrage.
The sports drama was released in theatres on October 16. Explaining her decision in a Facebook post, Bajwa said the film was made with the aim of reconnecting people with Punjab’s agricultural roots and culture.
She emphasised that cinema could never be more important than the people of Punjab, expressing solidarity with the state during the prevailing situation.
Babbu Maan Visits Protest Site
Punjabi singer Babbu Maan also visited the protest site in Mansa on Sunday, where he praised Jhota for his fight against drugs.
The support expressed by prominent Punjabi artists, including Diljit Dosanjh, Neeru Bajwa and Babbu Maan, has brought further attention to the case as protests continue.
With the family demanding justice and supporters calling for an independent investigation, Jhota’s killing has become a focal point in Punjab’s wider debate over drug abuse, alleged illegal drug sales and accountability.