Mansa: Tension continued in Punjab’s Mansa on Wednesday after anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota was shot dead during a confrontation at a medical store that was being broadcast live on Facebook. The main accused, chemist Ashwani Kumar, has been arrested in Rajasthan’s Salasar, but protests over the killing have continued.
In a major development, the local administration demolished Kumar’s house, while his medical store was also demolished. An angry crowd vandalised the premises and later set the shop on fire, according to reports. Markets and several other establishments remained closed amid heightened tension in the town.
Jhota’s family has refused to perform his last rites, demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe and the resignations of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav.
What Happened After Parvinder Singh Jhota’s Murder?
Jhota, 45, was shot dead on Tuesday during a confrontation with Kumar over the alleged sale of addictive or restricted medicines to an elderly customer. Jhota had reached the medical store with associates and started a Facebook Live broadcast.
The footage showed a heated argument between Jhota and the shopkeeper. Jhota was heard warning that a pistol had been pulled out before shots were fired. He sustained three bullet injuries and was taken to Mansa Civil Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
The killing sparked protests by his supporters and local organisations, who demanded action against those responsible. The situation escalated further on Wednesday, with reports of vandalism and arson at the accused’s premises.
Why Was The Accused’s House Demolished?
After Kumar’s arrest in Salasar, Rajasthan, the Mansa administration demolished his house under police supervision. Reports also said his medical store was demolished.
Separately, people vandalised the shop, removed medicines from the premises and set it on fire. The demolition by the administration and the crowd’s subsequent actions are distinct developments.
The circumstances and legal basis for the demolition had not been fully detailed in the information available at the time of reporting.
Why Are Markets Shut In Mansa?
Markets, several educational institutions and many filling stations remained shut on Wednesday as protests continued for a second day. Security was tightened across Mansa, with police checkpoints and additional personnel deployed to manage the situation.
Protesters have demanded accountability over Jhota’s killing and questioned the authorities’ response to the alleged sale of addictive substances. His family is seeking a CBI investigation and has said it will not perform the last rites until its demands are addressed.
Political leaders and representatives of different organisations have also sought to visit the protest site. Reports said police restrictions and checkpoints affected the movement of some leaders and supporters.
Has The NHRC Taken Cognisance Of The Case?
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken cognisance of Jhota’s killing and issued notices to Punjab’s Chief Secretary and DGP, seeking reports on the incident.
The intervention adds a human-rights dimension to the case, as the killing has raised questions about the safety of people campaigning against drug abuse and the alleged illegal sale of addictive medicines.
Meanwhile, the investigation into the murder remains ongoing. Police are expected to pursue evidence related to the shooting and establish the circumstances leading to the confrontation.
Who Was Parvinder Singh Jhota?
Parvinder Singh Jhota was known in Mansa for his campaign against drug abuse and the alleged sale of intoxicating substances through chemist shops. He frequently used social media broadcasts to confront people he accused of selling such substances.
His death has triggered widespread anger among supporters and anti-drug campaigners. The continuing protests have brought demands for a CBI probe, accountability from the state government and stronger action against the alleged drug trade to the forefront.
