Anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota, who led a campaign against drug abuse in Punjab’s Mansa region, was shot dead on Tuesday morning, allegedly by a medical store owner following a dispute over the illegal sale of drugs.
Jhota, who ran an organisation called ‘Force’, was reportedly targeted with multiple gunshots fired at close range. The bullets are said to have passed through his body.
Jhota had been at the forefront of an anti-drug campaign in the region for a long time. Besides raising awareness about substance abuse, he actively worked to prevent the sale of drugs and confronted people allegedly involved in the trade. His efforts frequently led to clashes with suspected drug dealers.
Through his campaign, Jhota had also encouraged several village panchayats to pass formal resolutions against drug use.
A video purportedly showing the shooting has surfaced, with reports identifying the alleged shooter as a chemist shop owner. Jhota reportedly had an altercation with the shop owner over the alleged illegal sale of drugs.
In the video, Jhota kept telling the owner,"Maar mujhe, maar mujhe (kill me, kill me). Why have you kept a pistol?"
Following the death of Jhota in Mansa, all schools have been closed amid protests by people against the administration.
BJP, Akali Dal Condemn Killing
BJP leader Parminder Singh Brar condemned Jhota’s killing, saying the activist had been fighting to protect Punjab’s youth from drugs.
“Parminder Jhotta… a lion, a Punjabi, who was fighting to save Punjab’s youth from the quagmire of drugs. His voice echoed against the drug trade. Today’s news of his murder has raised questions in the mind of every person in Punjab who has the courage to fight against drugs. If those who raise their voice against drugs are not safe, then who should Punjab’s youth trust? Shame on you, Mann Sahib! The people of Punjab had elected you with the hope of change. Today, people are demanding answers. Who will take responsibility for the lives of Punjab’s sons?" he said.
Meanwhile, Shiromani Akali Dal wrote on X, “ The Shiromani Akali Dal expresses grave concern over the brutal murder of Parvinder Singh Jotha by a drug peddler. This horrific crime again exposes the total breakdown of law and order in Punjab. We stand firmly with the family of the deceased in this difficult hour."
Targetting CM Bhagwant Mann’s government, he said, “The Punjab-Dokhi Bhagwant Mann government has given a free hand to drug smugglers and criminals, leaving the state defenceless. This government is neck-deep in scams and busy filling its own pockets while Punjabis bleed on the streets. This is not governance, this is misrule and anarchy."
