Full Breakdown
Anti-Drug Activist Parvinder Singh Jhota Killed in Live Confrontation with Punjab Medical-Store Owner
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Incident
On a Tuesday morning in Mansa, Punjab, anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota was shot dead while livestreaming a confrontation with the owner of a local medical store. The Facebook Live video shows Jhota questioning the shopkeeper about alleged sales of intoxicating pills to an elderly man. After a heated exchange, the shopkeeper draws a pistol and fires at close range, striking Jhota multiple times. He collapses and is declared dead on arrival at Mansa Civil Hospital. Two companions are seriously injured and taken to the emergency ward.
Background & Context
Jhota led an anti-drug campaign in the Malwa region under the banner of Force, regularly streaming interventions at pharmacies he suspected of supplying prohibited substances. His social-media presence had more than 24,000 followers. His tactics have previously sparked controversy; on July 12, 2023, a dispute with medical-store owner Ashwani Kumar led to Kumar’s public humiliation and arrest, highlighting long-standing tension between Jhota’s campaign and local pharmacy operators.
Key Figures & Groups
- Parvinder Singh Jhota — activist, head of “Force.”
- Ashwani Kumar — proprietor of the medical store where the shooting occurred.
- Harjit Singh — Deputy Inspector General of Police, Bathinda range, who confirmed the shopkeeper’s identity.
- Bhagwant Mann — Chief Minister of Punjab, referenced in political criticism.
Timeline
- July 12, 2023 – Earlier dispute between Jhota and Kumar.
- Tuesday morning – Jhota livestreams a challenge; the owner fires, killing Jhota and injuring two companions.
- Immediately after – Police cordon the area, transport victims to the hospital, and begin an investigation.
- Following day – Checkpoints are set up at district entry and exit points; CCTV footage is reviewed to trace the shooter’s escape route.
Data & Statistics
- Jhota’s Facebook following exceeded 24,000.
- The shooting involved multiple close-range gunshots.
- Two other individuals were seriously injured.
Official Statements & Responses
- Bathinda DIG Harjit Singh said the shopkeeper has been identified as Ashwani Kumar and that police are pursuing his arrest.
- Senior Punjab police officers arrived, cordoned the scene, established checkpoints, and are examining CCTV footage to determine the shooter’s route.
Criticism & Opposition
Leaders of the BJP and Akali Dal criticized Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for perceived inaction on drug-related violence, urging “real action” to protect youth and prevent further murders of anti-drug crusaders.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Initial reports described the assailant as “unidentified”; later reports named Ashwani Kumar.
- No official motive beyond the immediate dispute over alleged drug sales has been confirmed; investigators are still gathering evidence.
What’s Next
Police continue to examine CCTV recordings, maintain district-wide checkpoints, and pursue the identified suspect. The investigation remains open, and further details about the shooter’s apprehension and the condition of the injured companions are awaited.