CBI Takes Over Parminder Singh Jhota Murder Probe; FIR Filed Against Chemist
The CBI has registered an FIR in the Parminder Singh Jhota murder case, naming chemist Ashwani Kumar as an accused in the shocking killing.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has officially stepped into the investigation of the Parminder Singh Jhota murder case, registering a First Information Report (FIR) against medical store owner Ashwani Kumar and several unidentified individuals. The brutal killing of the 45-year-old anti-drug activist, which took place in Punjab’s Mansa district on October 13, 2026, has sparked widespread outrage and demands for a high-level probe.
A Shocking Crime Captured on Live Stream
The incident unfolded in a chilling manner when Parminder Singh Jhota, known for his crusade against narcotics, confronted Ashwani Kumar in a local market. Jhota had allegedly caught the chemist selling banned addictive drugs to an elderly person and was live-streaming the encounter on Facebook to expose the illegal trade.
The confrontation quickly turned violent. Gunfire erupted inside the chemist shop, resulting in the death of Jhota and leaving four other people injured. The sheer brutality of the act, captured in real-time on social media, put immense pressure on the authorities to ensure a transparent investigation.
CBI Steps In: The Legal Framework
Following the consent of the Punjab government and a formal notification from the Central government, the CBI’s Special Crime Branch in Chandigarh has taken the reins of the case. The agency has invoked several stringent sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, including:
- Section 103(1)
- Section 109
- Section 118(1)
- Section 61(2)
- Section 3(5)
Additionally, the FIR includes Sections 25 and 27 of the Arms Act, 1959. Inspector Balwinder Singh has been appointed to lead the investigation.
Deep Dive into the Drug Nexus
The CBI is not treating this as a simple murder case. A senior team, led by a Deputy Inspector General (DIG), has already arrived at the Mansa Police Station to take over case records and seized evidence. The primary objective is to uncover the potential links between the murder and the systemic open sale of banned psychotropic substances at chemist shops in the region.
To ensure a comprehensive probe, the agency is deploying a multi-disciplinary team, including:
- Forensic experts
- Drug controllers
- Technical specialists
Next Steps in the Investigation
The CBI team is scheduled to meet with the family of the deceased activist at the Mansa Circuit House to gather further insights. Furthermore, the agency intends to seek custody of the main accused, Ashwani Kumar—who was previously arrested in Rajasthan—along with other suspects. This move is aimed at dismantling the illicit drug trade network that may have motivated the killing of the activist.
"The CBI team reached Mansa Police Station last night to take over records and seizures. A formal letter has been issued to the Police. The family of the deceased is reaching Mansa Circuit House... The CBI Team, led by a senior DIG, will be examining them," CBI officials stated.