Major administrative actions are unfolding in Punjab following the high-profile murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota. Taking strict note of the developments surrounding the case, the Punjab government has suspended DSP Harjinder Singh Gill. Along with the police official, Drug Inspector Naresh Kumar has also been placed under suspension. The rigorous actions come in the wake of mounting pressure and widespread demands for a thorough and impartial probe into the tragic killing of the activist who campaigned against illegal drug activities.
CBI Probe Handed Over Following Family Demands
Prior to these suspensions, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced on Tuesday via the social media platform X that his administration decided to transfer the murder case of the anti-drug campaigner to the Central Bureau of Investigation. Expressing solidarity with the bereaved family, the Chief Minister stated that the government stands firmly with the victim's father and relatives, accepting their core demand. He reiterated that the ongoing battle against narcotics traffickers would continue with full force and that authorities would not hesitate to take stringent measures to rid the state of drugs.
Activist Killed Over Stand Against Illegal Drug Sales
Parvinder Singh Jhota was widely known for raising his voice against the unauthorized and illegal sale of drugs at pharmaceutical shops in the region. He was shot dead in broad daylight on October 13 inside a medical store located in a busy market area of Mansa. Ever since the incident, family members and supporters had been persistently demanding a CBI investigation to uncover all aspects of the conspiracy. Yielding to these appeals, the government moved forward with handing over the jurisdiction to the central investigating agency.
The Incident Streamed Live on Social Media
According to available details, the fatal shooting occurred while Parvinder Singh Jhota was broadcasting live on Facebook. The confrontation reportedly began after he raised questions regarding the alleged sale of drugs to an elderly person inside the shop, prompting the store owner Ashwani Kumar to open fire. The primary accused was subsequently detained from Salasar in Rajasthan. The gravity of the situation also prompted Union Home Minister Amit Shah to visit Punjab recently to meet with the grieving family members of those who lost their lives in the fight against drugs. The CBI has since registered an FIR and commenced its formal proceedings, though reports noted that the last rites had not been performed even days after the tragedy.
