Anti-drug activist Parminder Jhota killed in Punjab; political row erupts
The murder of anti-drug activist Parminder Singh Jhota in Mansa has sparked a massive political row in Punjab, with opposition leaders slamming the Mann govt.
The brutal killing of prominent anti-drug activist Parminder Singh Jhota in Mansa has sent shockwaves through Punjab, triggering a massive political confrontation between the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the opposition. The activist, who was actively fighting the narcotics menace in the region, was shot dead, leading to scathing allegations of a breakdown in law and order across the state.
A daylight murder in Mansa
The incident occurred when Jhota was reportedly targeted by a medical shop owner. Following the shooting, the activist was rushed to a hospital with severe bullet injuries, but he ultimately succumbed to his wounds. Reports suggest that the motive behind the attack was linked to Jhota's persistent efforts to expose the drug trade in Mansa.
Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia claimed that Jhota was shot while he was in the process of recording drug dealers on camera, highlighting the dangerous risks activists face in the state.
Opposition slams Mann government's 'failed' campaign
The murder has become a central point of attack for opposition leaders, who claim the state's flagship anti-drug campaign, 'Yudh Nashean Virudh', is nothing more than a publicity stunt. The political fallout has been intense:
- Congress: Former Punjab Congress president Raja Warring alleged that the murder is a direct consequence of the failed law and order machinery. He further claimed that Jhota's efforts against drugs had not received any meaningful support from the state government.
- Sukhpal Singh Khaira: The Congress leader accused the government of being unable to control the "powerful drug mafia," alleging a deep-seated "Politician-Police-Drug Mafia nexus" that rules Punjab.
- Shiromani Akali Dal: SAD President Sukhbir Badal described the incident as "criminal negligence" and a "stark reminder that law and order has ceased to exist in Punjab." He slammed the administration for allowing a state of "jungle raj" to prevail.
- BJP: Leader Ravneet Singh Bittu questioned Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's ability to handle the Home portfolio, stating that Punjab is currently in the "grip of fear and lawlessness."
Government responds to allegations
Amidst the mounting pressure, AAP leaders have stepped in to defend the administration. AAP leader Baltej Pannu condemned the murder in the strongest possible terms, stating that no individual is permitted to take the law into their own hands. He noted that preliminary information suggests the perpetrator may be a person running a chemist shop and promised that strict action would be taken against the guilty.
As the investigation continues, the death of Parminder Singh Jhota has once again placed the effectiveness of Punjab's fight against narcotics at the very heart of the state's political discourse.