Jhota Murder Case: Pharmacy Council Strips Accused Ashwani Kumar of License
Punjab Pharmacy Council cancels Ashwani Kumar's registration following the murder of anti-drug activist Parminder Singh Jhota.
In a significant move following the brutal killing of anti-drug activist Parminder Singh Jhota, the Punjab Pharmacy Council has revoked the professional registration of the primary accused, Ashwani Kumar. The decision comes as authorities tighten the noose around those involved in the shocking incident that unfolded during a Facebook livestream.
Strict Action by Pharmacy Council
Sunil Bansal, the Chairman of the Punjab Pharmacy Council, confirmed that the council has taken stringent action against Ashwani Kumar, who operated a medical store. Kumar's pharmacist registration, which had been granted on July 10, 2020, has been officially cancelled. This administrative crackdown follows widespread demands for justice after the daylight murder of the activist.
The Day of the Crime
The tragedy occurred on October 13 in the Mansa district of Punjab. Parminder Singh Jhota, known for his crusade against drug abuse, had gone to a chemist shop in the local market to confront Ashwani Kumar. The confrontation reportedly began when Jhota challenged Kumar over the alleged illegal sale of banned psychotropic substances to an elderly individual.
The situation escalated rapidly, and gunfire broke out inside the shop. The violence resulted in the death of Jhota and left four other people injured. Adding to the horror, the entire incident was being livestreamed on Facebook by the activist at the time of the attack.
CBI Takes Over the Investigation
Following intense political pressure and pleas from the victim's family, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has stepped in to lead the probe. The Punjab government provided its consent, and the Centre subsequently authorized the agency to take over the case.
The CBI's Special Crime Branch in Chandigarh has registered a First Information Report (FIR) naming Ashwani Kumar and several unidentified individuals. The charges filed under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, include:
- Section 103(1)
- Section 109
- Section 118(1)
- Section 61(2)
- Section 3(5)
Additionally, the accused faces charges under Sections 25 and 27 of the Arms Act, 1959.
The Manhunt and Forensic Probe
Ashwani Kumar, identified as the main accused, was eventually tracked down and arrested in Rajasthan. A high-level CBI team, led by a senior Deputy Inspector General, has already visited Mansa to seize case records and evidence from the Punjab Police.
CBI Inspector Balwinder Singh is spearheading the investigation. The agency's strategy includes:
- Conducting detailed examinations of Parminder Singh Jhota's family.
- Collaborating with forensic experts and drug controllers.
- Deploying technical specialists to analyze the digital evidence from the livestream.
Investigating the Drug Nexus
The CBI is not looking at this as a simple murder case. Investigators are deeply examining the circumstances of the killing to uncover a potential larger network involving the illegal sale of addictive and banned psychotropic drugs through chemist shops in the region.