MHA Steps In: Report Sought from Punjab After Killing of Anti-Drug Activist Jhota
The Ministry of Home Affairs demands a factual report from Punjab after anti-drug activist Parwinder Singh alias Jhota was shot dead in Mansa.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has intervened following the brutal killing of Parwinder Singh, popularly known as Jhota, an anti-drug activist in Punjab. The central government has demanded a comprehensive factual report from the Punjab government regarding the incident that took place in Mansa on October 13.
A Fatal Confrontation in Broad Daylight
Parwinder Singh alias Jhota was widely recognized for his aggressive campaigns against the sale and abuse of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances across the state. He frequently challenged those suspected of dealing in illegal substances and often recorded these confrontations, sharing the videos on social media to raise awareness.
The tragedy unfolded on October 13 when Jhota and his associates confronted a medical store owner in Mansa. The confrontation reportedly began over the alleged illegal sale of addictive substances at the chemist shop. During the heated altercation, the shop owner allegedly opened fire, resulting in the death of Jhota and leaving others injured. The entire incident was captured on video, which has since circulated, sparking widespread outrage.
Outcry and Political Tension
The killing of the activist has triggered intense protests across the region, bringing the drug menace and the deteriorating law-and-order situation in Punjab back into the spotlight. Opposition leaders have been quick to criticize the state government, questioning its ability to curb crime and stop the illegal distribution of habit-forming medicines through retail outlets.
MHA Demands Strategic Action Plan
Beyond the specific details of the murder, the Ministry of Home Affairs is using this incident to push for a more robust framework to fight narcotics. The MHA has asked the Punjab government to provide detailed updates on the implementation of strategic priorities aimed at achieving a drug-free India.
The Ministry has highlighted several critical areas where Punjab must show progress:
- Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF): The restructuring and establishment of a dedicated ANTF to handle specialized narcotics offences.
- Financial Investigations: Making financial probes mandatory in drug-related cases to trace the proceeds of trafficking and dismantle the financial networks supporting the trade.
- Legal and Judicial Strengthening: Improving the prosecution process under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, which includes designating specific NDPS Courts and appointing nodal officers for better accountability.
- NCORD Mechanism: Implementing outcome-oriented reviews under the Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) to ensure seamless coordination between central agencies, state police, and other enforcement authorities.
- Transnational Networks: Taking aggressive action against organized transnational drug networks to stop the flow of narcotics into the state.
The MHA has emphasized that sustained action from all stakeholders is essential to strengthen the fight against substance abuse and drug trafficking, urging the Punjab government to align its efforts with the national objective of a drug-free India.