Punjab Govt Bows to Pressure: Parwinder Singh Jhota Case Settled
Punjab government reaches agreement with Insaf Committee over activist Parwinder Singh Jhota's murder, offering compensation and a CBI probe.
A tense 22-day standoff over the murder of anti-drug activist Parwinder Singh Jhota has finally come to an end. Following a grueling five-hour marathon negotiation between the Punjab government and the Insaf Committee, a comprehensive agreement was reached, averting a massive planned siege of the Chief Minister's residence that was set for November 5.
Financial Compensation and Employment
As part of the settlement, the state government has committed to significant financial support for the bereaved families. The family of Parwinder Singh Jhota will receive Rs 2 crore in compensation. Furthermore, the government has agreed to provide his wife with a government job, contingent upon her educational qualifications.
The agreement also extends to the family of Daljit Singh of Bhamme Kalan, who will be granted Rs 50 lakh and a government job as part of the compensation package.
Justice and Legal Redress
Addressing the demands for a fair investigation, the government has confirmed that the murder case will be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). To ensure a thorough medical evaluation, a post-mortem examination is scheduled for November 6, 2026, at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh. The final funeral rites will be performed following the completion of this process.
In a move to ease tensions with the protesters, the state has also agreed to withdraw several legal cases. This includes the withdrawal of charges against activist Lakha Sidhana, as well as cases filed against Jhota’s father and other members of the Anti-Drug Task Team.
Honoring a Legacy
To ensure that the activist's fight against drugs is remembered, the Punjab government has pledged two symbolic gestures:
- The installation of a statue of Parwinder Singh Jhota in Mansa.
- The construction of a trauma center in his name located in Khayala Kalan village.
The Demands Left Behind
While the Insaf Committee and the family successfully secured financial aid and a CBI probe, some of the more political demands remained unfulfilled. The protesters had initially called for the resignations of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the Director General of Police (DGP).
However, as part of the final agreement to end the nearly month-long agitation, the family and the committee have officially dropped these demands, bringing a close to the volatile chapter of protests.