Punjab IAS officer Apneet Riyait said the state government held its third meeting with the family of Parminder Singh Jhota and the action committee in connection with the Mansa case on Friday. She described the meeting as positive, adding that the government had briefed all 14 demands raised by them and the action taken so far.
According to Riyait, the government submitted a written account of the steps taken in response to the demands. The family said it would examine the details before the next meeting. The administration also invited the family to meet officials again if they wished to discuss any aspect of the case.
CBI Investigation Underway
Riyait said the case had been handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and the investigation had already begun. The government will request that the case be pursued through a fast-track court to ensure an expedited process.
She also said the post-mortem-related matter had been handed over to senior doctors at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER).
Action Against Drug-Related Violations
Addressing concerns over the drug menace in Mansa, Riyait said the administration was continuing inspections and enforcement measures. The Health Department had taken action against several establishments during these checks.
According to the details shared, three licences had been cancelled, one licence had been suspended, and four chemist shops had been sealed. The measures form part of the government's efforts to strengthen oversight and curb violations linked to the sale of medicines.
The officer also referred to the regulation of pregabalin capsules under Schedule H1 of the Drugs Rules, 1945. As stated during the briefing, from November 12, 2026, these capsules will be dispensed only against a doctor's prescription.
Mansa Officials Suspended; Trauma Centre to Be Named After Jhota
Riyait said the Mansa SHO, DSP and drug inspector had been suspended, with the suspension orders to be provided to the concerned officials soon.
The government has also agreed to name the proposed trauma centre in Mansa after Parminder Singh Jhota. Another demand was for a statue to be installed in his memory on government-owned land, such as a stadium or a public park.
Financial Assistance for Four Injured Persons
The four other people injured in the incident are receiving medical treatment and assistance at government expense, Riyait said.
The government has also decided to provide financial assistance of ₹5 lakh to each of the four injured persons. The amount will be disbursed through cheques, according to the details shared by the officer.
Government Reviewing FIRs Linked to Flex Tearing
One of the demands concerned the cancellation of FIRs registered against people accused of tearing flex boards. Riyait said the Punjab Government was looking into the matter.
She added that the government and police would ensure security for the family, acknowledging the need to address its concerns while the case proceeds.
Family Asked to Submit Additional Demands in Writing
During the meeting, the administration requested that the family and the action committee submit any additional demands in writing so that they could be examined.
Riyait said the family would consider the written details of the government's response before the next meeting. Officials also assured them that they could approach the administration again to discuss the case.
The third meeting marks another step in the government's engagement with the family and the action committee. The next stage will depend on the family's assessment of the measures communicated by the administration and the response to any further demands.
