A wave of public outrage has gripped Punjab following the fatal shooting of anti-drug campaigner Parwinder Singh Jhota in Mansa. In response to the killing, a comprehensive statewide shutdown was declared for October 15, slated to run from 6 am until 5 pm. The call for this eleven-hour general strike was spearheaded by the activist's father, Bhim Singh, along with grieving family members, sparking widespread disruption across commercial and public spaces.
Family Demands CBI Probe and High-Level Resignations
Bhim Singh, whose son lost his life fighting against illicit narcotics trade, has taken an uncompromising stance before state authorities. Demanding absolute transparency, he insisted that the investigation into the killing must be transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Furthermore, the family has sought the resignations of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav. Demonstrating their deep anguish and resolve, the family has firmly declined to conduct Parwinder's last rites until their demands are met.
Broad Political and Farmer Union Alignment Behind Strike
The call for the Punjab shutdown has unified several political parties, religious bodies, and agrarian collectives across the state. A wide array of groups extended formal support to the strike and the family's quest for justice
- Punjab Congress, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and the Shiromani Akali Dal
- Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar), Akali Dal Waris Punjab De, and Akali Dal Punar Surjit
- The apex Sikh religious body, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC)
- Prominent agrarian platforms including Samyukt Kisan Morcha, Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political), and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha
These entities have actively appealed to commercial establishments, transport operators, and daily traders to suspend normal operations throughout the strike hours.
Arrest in Rajasthan, Mob Violence, and Demolition Action
The prime suspect named in the killing is local medical store owner Ashwini Kumar. Law enforcement tracking Kumar apprehended him in neighboring Rajasthan on Wednesday. Following the tragedy, intense public anger flared up in Mansa, leading an enraged gathering to ransack the suspect's chemist shop before setting it ablaze. Shortly afterward, civic authorities utilized a bulldozer to raze a significant portion of Jhota's house in administrative enforcement action.
Fatal Attack Caught During Live Broadcast
For a considerable period, Parwinder Singh Jhota had actively campaigned against medical outlets illicitly dispensing intoxicating pharmaceuticals across Mansa. The confrontation turned deadly on Tuesday when Jhota confronted the medical store for allegedly selling intoxicants to an elderly person. While actively documenting the confrontation through a Facebook Live broadcast, Jhota was shot at point-blank range by the chemist operator, resulting in fatal injuries.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann Pledges Zero Tolerance
Addressing the volatile situation, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann made a public appeal urging residents to preserve law and order. Reaffirming his administration's strict zero-tolerance approach toward narcotics peddling, Mann stated that the culprits responsible for the murder will face the most stringent legal punishment. The Chief Minister added that no conspirator linked to the fatal crime will be spared from justice.
