Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday directed Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav to conduct a thorough investigation into the killing of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa, assuring that anyone found involved in a possible conspiracy would face action.
Mann said the main accused had been arrested, but the investigation would not be limited to the immediate perpetrator. He emphasised that if evidence established the involvement of other individuals in planning or facilitating the murder, they too would be held accountable.
Describing the incident as unfortunate, the Chief Minister said such an incident should not have occurred and assured the public that the government would work to establish the facts.
DGP Asked to Establish Facts Behind the Killing
Mann said he had instructed the Punjab Police chief to investigate all aspects of the case and determine whether anyone else was involved in the alleged conspiracy.
“The main accused has been arrested, but if anyone is found involved in the conspiracy, he too will not be spared,” the Chief Minister said.
He appealed to people to maintain peace and avoid being influenced by speculation while the investigation was underway. Mann also expressed his sympathies with Jhota’s family and assured them that the matter would be investigated thoroughly.
Jhota Shot Dead During Confrontation at Medical Store
Parvinder Singh Jhota was shot dead at a medical store in Mansa during a confrontation with the shop owner over the alleged sale of intoxicating substances.
According to the available account of the incident, the confrontation turned violent, resulting in Jhota’s death. Four of his companions were also reportedly injured by gunfire.
A video of the incident was streamed live on Jhota’s social media account, bringing further attention to the killing.
The incident has drawn attention to the issue of the alleged illegal sale and misuse of prescription medicines, as well as the risks associated with confrontations over suspected drug-related activities.
Mann Reiterates Zero-Tolerance Policy Towards Drugs
Addressing the broader issue of drug trafficking, Mann said the Punjab government was pursuing a zero-tolerance policy towards the illicit drug trade.
He said the government's efforts were aimed at curbing the supply of psychotropic substances and preventing the illegal sale and misuse of prescription medicines.
“My government has waged a war against drugs. We are trying to stop both psychotropic drugs and prescription drugs. We have a zero-tolerance policy towards the illicit drug trade,” Mann said.
The Chief Minister's remarks come amid continuing concerns over drug abuse and the alleged unauthorised sale of medicines in Punjab.
Jhota Had Been Campaigning Against Drug Abuse
For the past several years, Jhota had been campaigning against drug abuse and the alleged illegal sale of prescription medicines in Mansa and nearby areas.
He frequently used social media to highlight suspected drug-related activities and publicly confronted individuals he believed were involved in selling intoxicating substances.
His activism had brought attention to the local drug problem, making his killing a significant development in the ongoing debate over drug abuse and enforcement in Punjab.
The investigation will now seek to establish the circumstances surrounding the murder and determine whether anyone beyond the arrested accused had a role in the crime. The Chief Minister has assured that action will be taken against all those found responsible in accordance with the law.