MHA Seeks Punjab Report on Anti-Drug Activist Jhota’s Killing
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has written to Punjab’s Chief Secretary seeking a comprehensive factual report on the killing of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa, along with reports on two other recent drug-linked cases in the state. The letter was sent on Friday, October 16, after Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the ministry would seek an account from the state government.
What the Home Ministry Has Asked For
Jhota, who campaigned against the sale of addictive medicines at chemist shops, was shot dead inside a medical store in a busy Mansa market on October 13. The MHA letter describes him as “reportedly a crusader” against the sale and abuse of narcotic and psychotropic drugs, and asks for details of the incident and the steps taken since.
The ministry has also sought reports on the death of Gulzar Singh on September 8, the father of a young man struggling with drug dependence, who is alleged to have faced harassment after questioning the availability of synthetic drugs in his area, and on an attack in Gurdaspur district’s Mari Panwan village in which Bikramjit Singh died and two others were critically injured. It has further asked what Punjab has done on the Centre’s Vision Document on Narcotics Control (2026-2029), shared with the state in August.
Arrests and Police Action So Far
Police said the store owner, Ashwani Kumar, opened fire after Jhota confronted him over selling addictive drugs. Kumar was arrested in Rajasthan and, along with an associate, sent to seven days’ police remand. Police have also arrested Kumar’s wife, in whose name the pharmacy licence was reportedly held, and another associate. Kumar faces charges including murder and criminal conspiracy.
The station house officer of Mansa’s City-2 police station has been suspended. Jhota’s family has demanded a CBI probe, and a bandh called by his father was observed in several districts on Wednesday. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has said those responsible will face the strictest punishment.
Why It Matters for Families in Punjab
Drug abuse remains one of the most serious concerns for households across Punjab, and the killing of a man who publicly challenged chemists over the sale of addictive medicines has unsettled many communities. Parents and local activists who raise such complaints often depend on police protection and quick action.
The Centre’s request puts the state’s response under formal review. It may also bring renewed attention to how drug licences and arms licences are checked at the local level. Earlier this week IPB covered another Centre-Punjab dispute that reached the courts, over clearance for Chief Minister Mann’s France visit.
The Punjab government has not yet publicly responded to the MHA letter. More updates are available on IPB’s Daily Updates page.
Based on reporting by The Tribune and ThePrint / PTI.
Image: National Herald.
