Jhota's Death Has Awakened Punjab: Akali Dal Leader Slams Govt
Akali Dal leader Surjit Bhura slams Punjab govt over anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota's murder, demanding CM Bhagwant Mann's resignation.
The tragic killing of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota has sparked a massive political storm in Punjab, with opposition leaders accusing the state government of failing to maintain law and order. The intensity of the outcry grew as Jhota's body was transported to the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh for a post-mortem examination, nearly a month after the fatal incident.
A Sharp Critique of State Security
Speaking outside the hospital, Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De) leader Surjit Singh Bhura highlighted a stark contrast in the government's approach to security. He pointed out that while a convoy of 100 police personnel accompanied the body to Chandigarh, the same level of protection was nowhere to be found when Jhota was alive and pleading for help in Mansa.
"When he was calling for attention in Mansa, no one listened to him," Bhura stated, adding that the death of the activist has served as a wake-up call for the people of Punjab.
Family Demands Resignations, Not Money
Addressing rumors regarding the family's motives, Bhura clarified that the grieving parents are not seeking financial compensation or employment. Instead, their demands are political and administrative:
- The resignation of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
- The resignation of the Director General of Police (DGP).
- The immediate transfer of the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP).
The desperation of the family is evident, with Jhota's father reportedly giving up food and water until the SSP is transferred. Bhura further urged the public to hold the current administration accountable in the upcoming elections.
The Fatal Encounter
The incident dates back to October 13, when Parminder Singh Jhota was shot by a medical shop owner. The assailant later died of his own injuries after being rushed to a hospital. However, the aftermath has left Jhota's family in a state of terror and grief.
A Mother's Heartbreak and Fear
Jhota's mother revealed that her son lived in constant fear for his life, frequently mentioning that he had many enemies due to his crusade against the drug mafia. She alleged that the police failed to even inform the family when he passed away.
She held Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann directly responsible, claiming that the government's rhetoric about eradicating drugs did nothing to protect her son. "The drug mafia should be hanged, and they should be shot dead," she remarked, recalling how she often begged her son not to leave the house for his own safety.
Calls for Central Intervention
The security vacuum has extended beyond the deceased activist. Jhota's father has made a plea to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Home Minister, alleging that the state government failed to protect his son and that his grandchildren are now facing similar threats. He has requested the central government to step in and ensure the safety of the remaining family members.
Opposition Unites Against Mann Government
The case has become a focal point for various opposition figures who are questioning the effectiveness of Punjab's anti-drug campaign. Leaders including Former Punjab Congress president Raja Warring, Congress leader Sukhpal Singh Khaira, Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia, and Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu have all slammed the Bhagwant Mann-led government over the deteriorating law and order situation in the state.