The murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Punjab's Mansa has brought an earlier dispute between him and chemist Ashwani Kumar back into focus. The dispute dates back to July 2023, when Jhota and his supporters allegedly paraded Kumar through a market with a garland of shoes around his neck over allegations of selling banned medicines. More than three years later, Kumar has been arrested for allegedly shooting Jhota dead, followed by demolition action at his property, a mob attack on his medical shop and a call for a Punjab Bandh on October 15.
According to reports, a case was registered against both sides in connection with the 2023 incident. A video from that period reportedly showed Jhota and his supporters confronting a man over the alleged sale of banned capsules before taking the chemist to the police station and filing a complaint. Police later identified old personal rivalry as a possible angle in the murder investigation.
On October 13, 2026, Jhota was shot dead in a busy market in Mansa following a confrontation with Kumar over the alleged sale of addictive substances. Jhota had been raising his voice against drug abuse and the alleged illegal sale of addictive medicines through chemist shops.
Reports said Jhota and his associates confronted Kumar after questioning the alleged sale of such substances to an elderly man. During the confrontation, Kumar allegedly opened fire. The shooting was captured on video while Jhota was recording or broadcasting the incident on Facebook Live.
Jhota died after sustaining gunshot injuries. Several other people were also reported injured in the firing. The incident triggered protests in Mansa, with supporters demanding action against those responsible for the killing.
Kumar reportedly fled after the shooting. Police arrested him in Salasar, Rajasthan, on October 14. An associate identified as Kumar's cousin, Vipin, was also arrested for allegedly helping him escape, according to reports.
On October 14, a day after the killing, Mansa district authorities carried out demolition action at Kumar's residence in Veer Nagar. Officials said the front portion of the house was demolished after information about unauthorised construction was received.
The action took place amid heavy police presence as tension continued in the area following Jhota's killing. Authorities cited unauthorised construction as the reason for the demolition. The action was separate from the criminal investigation into the murder.
The situation escalated further when a mob targeted Kumar's medical shop near the main railway crossing in Mansa. According to reports, people attacked the shop with iron rods, sticks and swords before using an earth-moving machine to demolish it. The shop was subsequently set on fire.
The demolition of the house by district authorities and the destruction of the medical shop by the mob were separate developments. The mob action took place amid anger over the killing, while officials cited unauthorised construction for the action at the residence.
Following the killing, a joint action committee formed to seek justice for Jhota called for a Punjab Bandh on October 15, 2026. The committee has demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the murder.
Jhota's family and supporters have also demanded justice and further action in the case. Reports said his family refused to perform his last rites amid the protest and demands for accountability.
The murder has also drawn political reactions, with opposition leaders questioning the state government's handling of law and order and the fight against drugs.
