The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has begun its investigation into the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Punjab’s Mansa. However, his family and members of the action committee have decided to continue their protest, refusing to allow his post-mortem examination and last rites until their demands are fulfilled.
Jhota’s father, Bhim Singh, said he had met the CBI team and was assured that a proper investigation would be conducted. He added that the family would not take any independent decision until the action committee reaches a conclusion.
A CBI team is currently stationed at a rest house in Mansa, where it is meeting the family to gather information about the case. For the latest meeting, the agency called Jhota’s father, mother and wife.
The CBI has registered an FIR in connection with Jhota’s murder. The team arrived in Mansa around midnight on Tuesday, visited the local police station to collect records and evidence, and later met the family at their residence to record statements.
According to a CBI spokesperson, the investigation is being conducted under the leadership of a senior Deputy Inspector General (DIG).
The Punjab government had announced the transfer of the case to the CBI on October 20. Union Home Minister Amit Shah had also assured the family that the matter would be thoroughly investigated.
As the investigation began, the Punjab government suspended DSP Harjinder Singh Gill and Drug Inspector Naresh Kumar. Their suspension followed the earlier suspension of SHO Inspector Jayant Kaur in connection with the case.
The investigation is expected to examine the evidence and circumstances surrounding Jhota’s killing.
Jhota’s body remains at the Civil Hospital in Mansa, where the post-mortem examination has not yet been conducted. His family has maintained that neither the post-mortem nor the last rites will take place until its demands are met.
Jhota was shot dead on October 13. Chemist Ashwini Kumar has been named as the accused in the case. Jhota had raised concerns about the alleged sale of addictive medicines.
His killing triggered protests by his family and supporters, who have been demanding action in the case. Members of the Nihang community have also gathered outside the Civil Hospital.
For now, the family’s decision remains unchanged, and the protest will continue until the action committee and family decide on the next step.