'Stay Away': Father of Slain Activist Parvinder Singh Jhota Urges Rahul Gandhi Not to Visit
Bhim Singh, father of slain activist Parvinder Singh Jhota, urges Rahul Gandhi and others to avoid the protest site due to religious and historical reasons.
The tension surrounding the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota has taken an unexpected turn. Bhim Singh, the father of the deceased activist, has made a formal and public appeal to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, requesting that he refrain from visiting the 'Jhota Insaf Morcha' protest site or meeting with the grieving family.
This request comes at a critical moment, as reports suggested that the Punjab Congress was organizing a visit for Gandhi following his scheduled rally in Sangrur on November 4, 2026. However, the family's stance has created a significant hurdle for the political leader's planned outreach.
Religious Convictions and Historical Trauma
Bhim Singh, a devout Sikh, explained that his request is rooted in his religious values and a desire to avoid being declared 'tankhaiya'—a term referring to religious misconduct. The decision is deeply tied to the historical wounds of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, which he associates with the Nehru-Gandhi family.
The father's request for distance extends beyond Rahul Gandhi. He has explicitly asked the family of the late former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh, as well as current BJP leader and former Congress member Ravneet Singh Bittu, to stay away from the protest site. Regarding the Beant Singh family, Bhim Singh cited opposition to their legacy during the period of militancy in Punjab.
Bhim Singh clarified that he holds no personal enmity toward Rahul Gandhi and remains open to visits from other Congress leaders. He noted that figures such as former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi have already visited the site to show their support.
The Tragic Murder of Parvinder Singh Jhota
The 'Jhota Insaf Morcha' protest was sparked by the brutal killing of Parvinder Singh Jhota. The activist was fatally shot by a medical store owner during a confrontation. At the time of the shooting, Jhota was livestreaming the incident, which centered on allegations regarding the illegal sale of drugs.
The gravity of the case led to the investigation being officially transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on October 21, 2026.
Security Concerns and Ongoing Agitation
Due to the volatility of the situation and potential threats, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has stepped in to provide X-category security for the family. A team from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has been deployed at the location to ensure safety.
Despite the security presence, the family's resolve remains unshaken. The 'Jhota Insaf Morcha' continues its agitation, with the family declaring that they will not perform the final rites of Parvinder Singh Jhota nor end their protest until their demands for absolute justice are fulfilled.