Jalandhar: Jalandhar was struck by grief on Friday following the sudden death of senior Congress leader Manoj Malhotra, widely known as Manu Baring, who suffered a cardiac arrest in the early hours of the morning. He collapsed around 4 a.m. and was rushed to a hospital by his family, but doctors declared him brought dead, leaving his family, friends and supporters in deep shock.
Malhotra’s sudden demise has come as a surprise to many, particularly because of his well-known commitment to physical fitness and healthy living. Just a day before his death, he had posted a fitness-related video on social media, encouraging young people to stay active and prioritise their health. His discipline and enthusiasm for fitness had earned him admiration among party colleagues and followers alike.
A resident of Jalandhar’s Baring area, Malhotra played an active role in Punjab’s political landscape. He served as the Punjab Congress General Secretary and was considered a close associate of former Chief Minister and current Member of Parliament Charanjit Singh Channi. His wife, Parvina, has also been associated with public service and previously served as a local councillor.
News of Malhotra’s passing triggered an outpouring of condolences from Congress leaders and workers across the state, who described him as a dedicated party functionary and a grounded leader with strong grassroots connections. His death is being seen as a significant loss for the party in the Doaba region, where he enjoyed considerable goodwill.
Family members, party colleagues and supporters remembered him as an energetic leader who remained actively engaged in public life till his last day. Preparations for his last rites are underway, with a large number of political leaders and supporters expected to pay their final respects.
