CBI to Probe Murder of Anti-Drug Activist Parminder Singh Jhota
CM Bhagwant Mann transfers the murder case of anti-drug activist Parminder Singh Jhota to the CBI following family demands and protests.
In a significant move to ensure a fair and transparent investigation, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has announced that the murder case of anti-drug activist Parminder Singh Jhota will be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The decision, shared by the Chief Minister on X (formerly Twitter), comes after the victim's family and various social organizations persistently demanded a federal inquiry into the killing.
A Fatal Confrontation in Mansa
The tragedy unfolded on October 13, 2026, in a crowded marketplace in Mansa. Parminder Singh Jhota, a well-known activist dedicated to eradicating narcotics from the region, reportedly confronted a local medical store owner, Ashwani Kumar. The confrontation began when Jhota allegedly witnessed the store owner selling illicit narcotics to an elderly person.
The situation escalated rapidly, leading to a violent encounter where Jhota was shot dead in broad daylight. The brazen nature of the crime in a busy public area sent shockwaves through the community and sparked widespread outrage.
Manhunt and Arrest
Following the shooting, the accused, Ashwani Kumar, fled the scene to evade capture. However, law enforcement agencies tracked him down and successfully apprehended him in Salasar, Rajasthan. While the suspect is in custody, the demand for a high-level investigation grew as the public sought a deeper probe into the networks involved in the illegal drug trade.
Pressure from the Ground
The decision to involve the CBI was not immediate but followed intense pressure from several quarters. Labor unions and farmer organizations launched widespread protests, demanding that the state government ensure the highest level of scrutiny for the case. Chief Minister Mann stated that his administration stands in complete solidarity with the grieving family of the activist.
Political Context and the Fight Against Drugs
The announcement arrives at a critical time, coinciding with the scheduled visit of Union Home Minister Amit Shah to Punjab. The Home Minister is expected to meet with the family of the deceased activist during his visit.
Reaffirming his government's commitment to a "drug-free Punjab," CM Mann emphasized that the state is locked in a decisive battle against drug traffickers. He pledged that his administration would take every necessary measure to deal with such crimes with the utmost severity, ensuring that those who poison society with narcotics are brought to justice.