Protesters Detained as Punjab Shuts Down Over Activist's Murder
Police detained protesters during a statewide shutdown in Punjab following the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota.
Tensions flared across Punjab on Tuesday as a statewide shutdown, called to protest the killing of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota, led to multiple detentions and heavy police deployment. In Moga, protesters gathered at Moga Chowk to voice their anger, only to be intercepted and detained by law enforcement officials.
Security Tightened Following Mansa Killing
The unrest follows the tragic death of Parvinder Singh Jhota, a prominent figure in the fight against narcotics in the Mansa district. Jhota was allegedly shot by a medical shop owner on Tuesday. Although he was rushed to a hospital after sustaining bullet injuries, he ultimately succumbed to his wounds.
In response to the call for the Punjab Bandh, authorities have ramped up security measures, particularly in Mansa. Bathinda Range DIG Harjeet Singh stated that the police are working to balance law enforcement with public necessity.
"We are ensuring that emergency services are not affected. We are also in touch with the protesters. We will ensure that normal life is not affected," said DIG Harjeet Singh.
Main Suspects Apprehended
The investigation into the murder has seen significant movement. According to DIG Singh, the primary accused has already been arrested, along with one other individual. Both suspects are expected to be produced before a court in the near future.
The arrest of the main shooter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Punjab Police and the Rajasthan Police. Officials revealed that the suspect was tracked to Salasar in Rajasthan. According to Shankar Lal Bhari, the Salasar Station House Officer (SHO), the accused was discovered hiding in disguise near the Shri Ganganagar Dharamshala, close to the Salasar Balaji Temple.
Family Demands CBI Probe and Official Resignations
The victim's family has expressed deep outrage over the incident, accusing the state administration of failing to protect activists. Bhim Singh, the father of the deceased, has directed sharp criticism toward the highest levels of state leadership.
In a scathing statement, Bhim Singh demanded accountability from both the Chief Minister and the Director General of Police (DGP). He has called for a high-level investigation, specifically requesting that the case be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
The family's demands include:
- The resignation of the Chief Minister and the DGP.
- A formal investigation conducted by the CBI.
- Accountability for the failure to prevent the attack on a known activist.
The shutdown was organized by a committee involving various joint forums, political parties, and activist organisations, all of whom appealed to the citizens of Punjab to observe the protest to demand justice for Jhota.