The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered an FIR in the murder case of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Punjab’s Mansa. As the investigation begins, the Punjab government has suspended two more officials, DSP Harjinder Singh Gill and Drug Inspector Naresh Kumar. Their suspension comes after SHO Inspector Jayant Kaur was also suspended in connection with the case.
A CBI team arrived in Mansa around midnight on Tuesday and visited the local police station to collect records and evidence related to the murder. The team later visited Jhota’s family home to record the family members’ statements before returning to the Mandi Board rest house.
According to a CBI spokesperson, the investigation is underway under the leadership of a senior Deputy Inspector General (DIG).
Post-mortem decision remains pending
The post-mortem examination of Jhota’s body has not yet been conducted, even as the family’s protest entered its ninth day on Wednesday.
According to sources, the CBI team has persuaded the family to consider allowing the post-mortem. However, Jhota’s wife, Manpreet Kaur, said that a final decision would be taken after discussions with the action committee members participating in the protest.
Meanwhile, members of the Nihang community have gathered outside the Civil Hospital in Mansa and are opposing the post-mortem examination.
Jhota’s father, Bhim Singh, has maintained that the family will not proceed with the last rites until its demands are addressed. The delay in the post-mortem and cremation has kept the protest going.
Punjab government hands over case to CBI
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced on October 20 that the Jhota murder case would be handed over to the CBI. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who was visiting Punjab, also assured the family that the case would be thoroughly investigated.
The CBI’s arrival and registration of the FIR mark the beginning of its investigation into the killing.
Jhota was shot dead on October 13
Parvinder Singh Jhota, an anti-drug activist from Mansa, was shot dead on October 13. Chemist Ashwini Kumar has been named as the accused in the case.
Jhota had been involved in raising 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.
The CBI is now examining the evidence and recording statements as part of its investigation. The post-mortem examination remains a key pending step, with the family and protest participants yet to reach a final decision.