Punjab Anti-Drug Activist’s Killing Sparks Unrest; Accused’s House Demolished
The killing of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa has triggered protests and political criticism in Punjab. Police arrested chemist Ashwani Kumar in Rajasthan, while the accused’s house was demolished and his shop set ablaze.
The killing of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota has sparked unrest in Punjab’s Mansa district, with a crowd setting fire to the accused’s medical shop and authorities demolishing his house.
Police arrested chemist Ashwani Kumar in Rajasthan’s Salasar on Wednesday. He is accused of shooting Jhota during a confrontation over the alleged sale of addictive drugs at his store.
The confrontation was captured on video. Footage circulating online appeared to show Kumar emerging from the shop with a weapon and pursuing Jhota before the shooting. Jhota was taken to a hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
Mansa Senior Superintendent of Police Vaibhav Choudhary said police personnel had been deployed to maintain law and order during administrative action linked to alleged illegal construction.
Jhota had campaigned against drug abuse and questioned the alleged sale of addictive substances at medical stores. His death has intensified criticism of the Bhagwant Mann-led Aam Aadmi Party government and its anti-drug campaign, ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’.
Congress leader Amarinder Singh Raja Warring and Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal criticised the government over law and order and its handling of the drug problem. Other opposition leaders also questioned the administration’s response.
AAP leader Baltej Pannu condemned the killing and promised strict action against those responsible.
The incident has renewed debate over drug abuse, public safety and the protection of people campaigning against narcotics in Punjab.
