Story perspectives

Anti-drug activist Parvinder Jhota shot in Mansa

By Drooid · Oct 18, 2026, 4:22 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Chemist Ashwani Kumar shot anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa on October 13, 2026.
SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami announced Rs 5 lakh for each of the four injured, split between treatment and aid.
The action committee called for the chief minister’s resignation, a CBI probe, and dismissal of officials.
Protesters demolished Kumar’s shop, partially razed his house, and scheduled protests at AAP MLAs’ homes on October 19.

History

Historical Context

In 1995, Punjab’s government launched the ‘Operation Clean Sweep’ anti-narcotics drive, arresting 1,200 suspects and prompting widespread protests. The campaign, overseen by the Punjab Police and supported by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, allocated INR30 crore for rehabilitation, yet the Supreme Court later ruled the detentions violated due process. Today's violent retaliation against chemist Ashwani Kumar mirrors the 1995 backlash, where activist Harjit Singh’s murder sparked calls for ministerial resignations and intensified scrutiny of drug-related corruption. The recurrence urges the CBI, SGPC and state authorities to pursue transparent investigations, aiming to dismantle entrenched patronage and restore public confidence.

1 of 2

Story summary

Chemist Ashwani Kumar shot anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa on October 13, 2026.
SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami announced Rs 5 lakh for each of the four injured, split between treatment and aid.
The action committee called for the chief minister’s resignation, a CBI probe, and dismissal of officials.
Protesters demolished Kumar’s shop, partially razed his house, and scheduled protests at AAP MLAs’ homes on October 19.

1 / 2