Two days after the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota, Mansa City-2 Station House Officer (SHO) Inspector Beant Kaur has been suspended on administrative grounds. The action comes amid protests demanding accountability from police officers over the drug menace in the area.
Mansa Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Vaibhav Chaudhary confirmed the suspension on Thursday, October 15, saying the SHO had been suspended with immediate effect. Meanwhile, sources indicated that the state government was likely to take action against another police officer in connection with the matter.
SHO Suspended Amid Protests
The suspension comes as Jhota's killing has triggered widespread anger in Mansa, with protesters demanding action against police personnel whom they accuse of failing to control drug-related activities in the area.
Jhota had been campaigning against drug abuse and allegedly confronted chemist Ashwani Kumar over drugs at his shop in Mansa town before he was shot dead on Tuesday.
The incident has intensified demands for accountability and stronger action against the drug menace. However, the allegations levelled by protesters against police personnel remain their claims.
Two More Persons Named in Murder Case
Meanwhile, police have nominated two more persons in the case. According to sources, both are associates of the main accused, Ashwani Kumar, and one of them is reportedly a family member.
The development comes after police claimed to have arrested two persons, including Ashwani, in connection with the murder. His family members have also been detained, according to the information provided by police sources.
Further details about the roles allegedly played by the two newly named persons have not been made public in the information available.
Main Accused Had Two Licensed Weapons
Sources also said Ashwani Kumar had two licensed weapons registered in his name. He had reportedly obtained a weapons licence around two years ago.
The information has emerged as investigators continue to probe the circumstances surrounding Jhota's killing. The details of the weapons, including whether either was used in the crime, have not been established in the information provided.
Murder Captured in Facebook Live Video
Jhota was shot dead on Tuesday following a confrontation with Ashwani Kumar at his chemist shop in Mansa town. The incident was streamed live on Jhota's Facebook page, triggering widespread outrage and renewed demands for action against drug-related activities.
Four other people were also injured in the incident.
The killing has led to protests and a bandh call seeking justice for the activist and accountability from the authorities. The suspension of the SHO marks an administrative development amid the growing public anger.
With two more persons named in the case and the possibility of further action against police personnel, the investigation remains under close public scrutiny. The police probe is expected to establish the roles of the accused and determine the circumstances that led to the fatal confrontation.