Daijiworld Media Network - Mansa
Mansa, Oct 13: Anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota was shot dead during a confrontation at a medical store in Punjab's Mansa district while livestreaming what he alleged was the sale of heroin, triggering a political controversy over the state's drug menace and law and order situation.
Jhota, who had been campaigning against drugs in the region for a long time, sustained multiple bullet injuries during the incident and later succumbed to them at Mansa Civil Hospital. Reports also said four of his companions were injured in the firing and were taken to hospital.
According to reports, Jhota was livestreaming from the medical store on Tuesday morning when he confronted its owner over the alleged sale of 'chitta', a term commonly used for heroin. During the broadcast, he reportedly questioned the owner about the suspected transaction and demanded CCTV footage. An elderly man accompanying Jhota was said to have purchased drugs from the shop, according to allegations made during the confrontation.
The exchange reportedly escalated, with the shop owner, identified in reports as Ashwani Kumar, allegedly brandishing a pistol before opening fire. The livestream captured the confrontation and the sound of gunshots.
The medical store owner was reported to be absconding following the shooting, and police were searching for him. The circumstances surrounding the firing and the allegations of drug sales are under investigation.
Jhota had repeatedly used social media livestreams to highlight what he claimed was the open sale of heroin and addictive medicines in the area. In the days before his death, he had reportedly sought a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the alleged drug trade in Mansa.
The killing drew strong reactions from Opposition leaders, who accused the Bhagwant Mann-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government of failing to curb drug trafficking and maintain law and order.
Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal said he was “profoundly shocked” by what he described as Jhota's “merciless killing”. Expressing solidarity with the activist's family, Badal said Jhota had consistently raised his voice against drugs but had received neither adequate support nor a response.
Badal described the killing as evidence of what he considers the collapse of law and order in Punjab. He also criticised the state government's anti-drug campaign, 'Yudh Nashian Virudh', calling it a failure and accusing the government of neglecting public concerns.
Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia questioned Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann over the activist's death, saying Jhota had been killed while attempting to expose the alleged sale of heroin during a live broadcast.
“Bhagwant Mann, will anyone who dares to speak out be killed?” Majithia asked, urging the people of Punjab to unite, demand answers and seek the government's resignation.
BJP leader Ravneet Singh Bittu also condemned the killing, describing it as a reflection of the state's deteriorating law and order situation. He questioned how ordinary citizens could feel safe if people raising their voices against drugs were themselves vulnerable to violence.
Congress leader Charanjit Singh Channi accused the AAP government of emboldening gangsters and those involved in the drug trade. He alleged that murders were taking place regularly and claimed that Jhota had been targeted while trying to expose the drug menace.
In an emotional account following her son's death, Jhota's mother said he had repeatedly warned her that his life was in danger.
“My son used to tell me, 'Mother, they will kill me.' Before leaving, he touched my feet and said, 'Mother, keep my food ready,'” she said.
Expressing her grief, she added, “They have taken away my precious son. The government has ruined everything.”
The activist's death has intensified demands for answers over the circumstances of the shooting and raised concerns about the safety of those campaigning against the alleged drug trade in Punjab.