Mansa: Punjab Police have arrested Ashwani Kumar, the main accused and alleged shooter in the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota, from Salasar in Rajasthan.
The arrest was reported on Wednesday, October 14, a day after Jhota was shot dead in broad daylight in Mansa, Punjab. Kumar, who runs a medical store, had allegedly opened fire during a confrontation with the activist.
According to reports, the arrest followed a search operation launched after Kumar fled the scene. Further details about the operation and the circumstances of his arrest are awaited.
Who Was Parvinder Singh Jhota?
Parvinder Singh Jhota was known for campaigning against drug abuse and the alleged illegal sale of addictive substances through medical stores in Mansa and surrounding areas.
On October 13, Jhota confronted Kumar at his medical store over the alleged sale of drugs to an elderly man. The confrontation was being recorded during a Facebook Live session when the argument escalated into gunfire.
Jhota sustained fatal injuries and was declared dead at a hospital. Other people were also injured in the shooting.
What Led To The Murder Of Parvinder Jhota?
According to preliminary police findings reported on October 13, the killing may have stemmed from personal enmity between Jhota and Kumar.
The two had reportedly been involved in a dispute in 2023, when Jhota and his associates confronted Kumar over capsules allegedly linked to his medical store. The earlier incident is now part of the investigation into the murder.
Police have named Kumar as the main accused. The precise circumstances and motive remain subject to further investigation.
Was Anyone Else Arrested In The Case?
Police had earlier arrested an associate accused of helping Kumar escape after the shooting. Kumar’s arrest in Salasar is a major development in the investigation.
Investigators are expected to question him about the shooting and establish the sequence of events leading up to the killing.
What Happens Next In The Parvinder Jhota Murder Case?
The investigation will now focus on questioning the accused, gathering evidence and determining the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting.
The murder had triggered tension in Mansa, with Jhota’s supporters protesting and his family refusing to cremate his body amid demands for action.
The case has also sparked political reactions over Punjab’s drug problem and law-and-order situation. The investigation into the killing and the allegations against the accused remain ongoing.
