Full Breakdown
Murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota sparks political crisis in Punjab
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On October 13 2026 in Mansa, Punjab, anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota was shot dead at a medical store while livestreaming on Facebook. The shooter, Ashwani Kumar, a chemist shop owner, fled and was later arrested in Rajasthan. Four companions were injured. Police declared Jhota dead at Mansa Civil Hospital.
Background & Context
Jhota, a former boxer and kabaddi player, launched the “Nasha Roko, Rozgaar Do” campaign in 2023 to confront chemists suspected of selling illicit drugs. He organized village “Nasha Roko Committees” across Mansa and Bathinda. A prior clash on July 12 2023 saw Jhota parade Kumar with a garland of shoes after accusing him of selling banned capsules; both filed complaints. Jhota had faced arrests for alleged assault and rioting but was discharged in an extortion case on September 11 2023.
Data & Statistics
A PANJ Foundation report released October 8 2026 showed Punjab’s substance-use rates far above national averages: cannabis use 12.55 % (4.4 × national), opioid use 4.7 × national, cocaine 6.6 × national. Opioid dependence affected 1.28 % of residents aged 10-75 (4.9 × national). Between April 1 2025 and September 30 2026, the state health department conducted 16,788 inspections, suspending 520 chemist licences and seizing medicines worth Rs 20.6 crore.
Official Statements & Responses
- Senior Superintendent Vaibhav Choudhary pledged that “the case is being investigated thoroughly and that the accused will be arrested within 24 hours.”
- State Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh directed drug-control officers to intensify inspections under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
Criticism & Opposition
- Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal called the anti-drug drive a “gimmick” and said the incident illustrates “jungle raj.”
Opposition parties demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the dismissal of senior police officials.
On-the-Ground Reports
Protesters gathered at Mansa Civil Hospital, vandalised Kumar’s shop and set it ablaze. A bandh called by Jhota’s family led to market closures and private-school holidays on October 15 2026 in districts including Hoshiarpur, Ferozepur and Mansa. Farmers’ unions and local activist coalitions joined the shutdown, demanding a CBI probe and the resignation of the state’s top police officers.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Police investigations emphasize “personal enmity” as the motive, citing the 2023 dispute. Opposition leaders attribute the killing to an emboldened drug mafia operating under the AAP administration. No independent forensic report has confirmed whether the weapon was legally owned, and the extent of any political protection for the accused remains unverified.