Activist Parminder Singh Jhota Murdered in Punjab Amid Political Chaos
Anti-drug activist Parminder Singh Jhota was fatally shot in Mansa during a confrontation. Political leaders slam the Punjab government.
The state of Punjab has been plunged into a massive political storm following the brutal daylight murder of prominent anti-drug activist Parminder Singh Jhota. The incident, which took place in Mansa on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, has ignited a fierce debate over law and order and the alleged influence of drug cartels in the region.
A Fatal Confrontation Caught on Camera
The tragedy unfolded during a confrontation between Jhota and a local medical store owner regarding the suspected illegal sale of pharmaceutical drugs. In a chilling turn of events, Jhota was live-streaming the encounter on his Facebook page when the violence erupted.
During the attack, Jhota sustained three gunshot wounds: two to his abdomen and one to his thigh. The shots to his abdomen caused a fatal injury to his liver. The violence was not limited to the activist alone; four of his companions were also shot and injured during the assault. The primary accused, a chemist shop owner identified as Ashwani Kumar, fled the scene and remains at large. Law enforcement agencies are currently scouring CCTV footage to track his movements.
Political Leaders Slam AAP Government
The murder has provided significant ammunition for opposition parties to attack the Bhagwant Mann-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government. Critics are questioning the effectiveness of the state's 'Yudh Nashean Virudh' (War Against Drugs) campaign.
- Manjinder Singh Sirsa (BJP): Alleged that the Punjab government is being run by the drug mafia and claimed direct collusion between the state administration and drug cartels.
- Sukhbir Singh Badal (Shiromani Akali Dal): Labeled the government's anti-drug initiatives as a mere "gimmick" and described the current state of affairs as "jungle raj."
- Raja Warring (Congress): Condemned the murder as a failure of the administration, noting that he had previously supported Jhota when the activist faced legal harassment.
- Sukhpal Singh Khaira (Congress): Alleged the existence of a dangerous "Politician-Police-Drug Mafia nexus."
- Ravneet Singh Bittu (BJP): Targeted Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann specifically regarding his management of the Home portfolio.
Government Response and Security Review
In the wake of the public outcry, AAP spokesperson Baltej Pannu stated that the government is committed to strict legal action, emphasizing that no citizen is allowed to take the law into their own hands.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has responded by convening a high-level security meeting. The session includes police commissioners, Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs), and Deputy Commissioners to review and tighten security measures across the state.
A Father's Vow and Calls for Protest
Amidst the political maneuvering, the family of the deceased is seeking justice. Jhota’s father has made a solemn vow to continue his son's mission to eradicate drugs from Punjab. He has called for public protests in Mansa to demand accountability and has made an urgent appeal for security for his family.