Bulldozer action has begun at the house of chemist Ashwini Kumar, the prime accused in the shooting death of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota, in Mansa, Punjab. The demolition is being carried out by the district administration under police supervision, with senior officials, including the Deputy Commissioner and Senior Superintendent of Police, present at the site.
According to the police administration, the house was allegedly built using money earned through drug trafficking. The demolition comes amid protests following Jhota’s killing and demands for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe.
Police sources said Ashwini Kumar has been arrested in Salasar, Rajasthan, after allegedly fleeing following the shooting.
Sikh organisations called for a shutdown in Mansa, with shops and commercial establishments remaining closed. Protesters demanded justice for Jhota and action against those allegedly involved in drug trafficking.
The protests follow Tuesday’s shooting, during which Jhota was allegedly shot three times by Ashwini Kumar inside his medical store while broadcasting live on Facebook.
Following the killing, protesters also vandalised the accused’s shop and removed goods from the premises. A sit-in was held outside Mansa Civil Hospital, where Jhota was taken after being shot and was declared dead by doctors.
According to information shared by Jhota’s family, he received information on Tuesday morning that an elderly man had allegedly been given restricted narcotic drugs at a medical store in Mansa.
Jhota reached the shop with his team and began a Facebook Live broadcast. During the live video, he was seen arguing with the shopkeeper, Ashwini Kumar, in the presence of a customer.
As the argument escalated, Ashwini allegedly pulled out a pistol and fired at Jhota. The activist sustained three bullet injuries and was taken to Mansa Civil Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
During the initial investigation, Punjab Police officials indicated that the shooting could be linked to an old personal dispute.
According to police, Jhota had allegedly caught Ashwini Kumar selling banned capsules in 2023. He had reportedly made the chemist wear a garland of shoes and paraded him through the market. Cross-cases were subsequently registered against both sides.
Police also said the weapon used in the shooting was a licensed pistol. Special teams were formed to trace the accused, while raids were being conducted at different locations. Police were also investigating whether anyone had helped him escape.
Jhota’s family has refused to perform his last rites until its demands are met. The family is seeking a CBI investigation into the murder and action against those allegedly involved in the drug trade.
His father alleged that the state government had failed to protect his son and expressed concern for the safety of his grandchildren. The family has also demanded the resignations of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav.
Police officials had reached the protest site to speak to the family. However, the protesters remained firm on their demand for justice.
Special DGP Praveen Sinha, who visited Mansa following the incident, said the police were investigating the case and working to arrest those involved. He also stated that the police would not use force to make the family perform the last rites.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken cognisance of the incident and sought reports from the Punjab Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police.
The situation remains tense as protests continue, the demolition proceeds and Jhota’s family maintains its demand for a CBI investigation before the last rites are performed.