Attack motivated by personal enmity: Police on Punjab activist's death
Police claim personal enmity led to the killing of Mansa anti-drug activist Parminder Singh Jhota. Investigations and arrests are underway.
The Punjab Police have launched a massive manhunt following the fatal shooting of prominent anti-drug activist Parminder Singh Jhota. According to preliminary investigations conducted by the authorities, the attack was not a targeted hit by drug cartels but was instead motivated by personal enmity.
The Mansa-based activist, who was widely recognized for his relentless crusade against the narcotics menace in the state, succumbed to his injuries after being rushed to a hospital following the shooting.
Police investigation and arrests
Speaking on the developments, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Harjeet Singh revealed that the police have already identified a primary suspect. The investigation suggests that a local medical shop owner, identified as Ashwani, used a licensed pistol to carry out the attack.
The police have taken immediate action to secure the perpetrator. "We have formed various teams to apprehend the suspect; one of his associates has already been arrested, and his family members have been detained for questioning," DIG Singh stated.
Political storm erupts in Punjab
While the police maintain the motive was personal, the incident has triggered a massive political confrontation in Punjab. Opposition leaders have seized upon the tragedy to criticize the Bhagwant Mann-led government over the deteriorating law and order situation.
Congress MP Charanjit Singh Channi leveled serious allegations against the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) administration, claiming that Jhota was a victim of systemic harassment. Channi alleged that the government had previously filed false cases against the activist to hinder his efforts against drug traffickers.
"Parminder Singh Jhotta was a very strong, brave, and forward-thinking young social activist who fought against those selling drugs. The government didn't just once, but multiple times, harassed him and filed cases against him to stop him from acting against drug traffickers," Channi said.
Channi further described the current state of affairs in Punjab as "jungle raj," suggesting that anyone attempting to combat the drug trade is being targeted by state machinery.
A family's plea for protection
The tragedy has left the activist's family in a state of fear and mourning. In a heart-wrenching appeal, Jhota's father reached out to the highest levels of the central government, seeking protection for his remaining family members.
The grieving father alleged that the Punjab government failed to provide any security to his son despite his high-profile work. "The Punjab government did not provide him with any security. Nobody protected us. Now, even my grandchildren are at risk. I appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Home Minister to make arrangements for my grandchildren's security," he said.
Despite the loss, the family has vowed to keep the activist's mission alive. "We will continue fighting this war against drugs. As long as I am alive, I will also continue fighting against drugs in Punjab," the father declared.