Full Breakdown
Murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota sparks Punjab bandh and political fallout
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On October 13, 2026, anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota was shot dead inside a medical store in Mansa, Punjab, after confronting the shop owner over alleged sales of addictive substances. The accused, Ashwani Kumar, a local chemist, fled; four others were injured. Video of the confrontation streamed live on Jhota’s Facebook page.
Timeline
- September 7, 2026 – Police erected barricades in Mansa after the suicide of Gulzar Singh, a drug-addict’s father.
- October 13, 2026 – Jhota is shot dead at the Ashwani Medical Hall (Ward 9, Watt Works Road).
- October 14, 2026 – Joint Punjab-Rajasthan police arrest Ashwani Kumar in Salasar, Rajasthan; an associate is detained earlier.
- October 15, 2026 – Activists call a statewide bandh; police place heavy barricades on the Barnala-Mansa road and halt bus services.
Official Statements & Responses
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann pledged “strictest punishment” and tasked Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav with the investigation. The Punjab Police said the FIR, filed under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Arms Act, lists multiple sections and that teams are pursuing the main suspect and any conspirators. Bathinda Range DIG Harjit Singh reported the incident was recorded at 10:30 a.m. and that the accused used a licensed pistol.
Data & Statistics
Punjab’s anti-drug drive, “Yudh Nasheyan Virudh,” reports seizures up to October 6, 2026 of:
- 4,198 kg heroin
- 1,009 kg opium
- 481 quintals poppy husk
- 1,750 kg ganja
- 65.85 lakh tablets and capsules
- 78 kg crystal methamphetamine
The campaign also cites Rs 22.58 crore seized, 64,598 FIRs and 82,739 alleged smugglers arrested.
Criticism & Opposition
Opposition leaders accuse the AAP government of failing to protect activists and of a deteriorating law-and-order climate.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Police attribute the killing to “personal enmity” from a 2023 dispute, while opposition frames it as part of a broader “drug-mafia” assault on anti-drug voices. No independent forensic report has been released; the family has delayed cremation pending a post-mortem by PGIMER, Chandigarh.
Verbatim Quotes
- “In Mansa, a deeply unfortunate incident has taken place, and everyone responsible for it will be brought to justice. The Punjab Police will leave no stone unturned in investigating the case, and exemplary punishment will be ensured for the culprits.” — Bhagwant Mann, Chief Minister
- “Our government has launched a determined campaign against the sale and supply of all kinds of drugs, whether illegally sold intoxicating medicines or conventional narcotics such as chitta. No leniency will be shown to anyone involved in this crime against humanity, regardless of how influential or powerful they may be.” — Bhagwant Mann
- “Punjab Police is stopping us at the instance of the Mann government to hide its failure,” — Charanjit Singh Channi, former chief minister
- “The Aam Aadmi Party came to power promising a drug-free Punjab. Today, those who raise their voices against drugs are themselves in danger. This is a serious failure of the administration. If those fighting the drug mafia are not safe, then who is safe in Punjab? The people of Punjab demand answers and accountability,” — Nitin Nabin, BJP national president
- “No person in Punjab is permitted to take the law into their own hands. Strict action will be taken against the guilty,” — Baltej Pannu, AAP general secretary
- “Punjab is in the grip of fear and lawlessness. Police personnel are being murdered, citizens like Parwinder Jhota are targeted, and gangsters roam fearlessly,” — Ravneet Singh Bittu, union minister
