Chandigarh, Oct 20: The Punjab administration announced on Tuesday the transfer of the investigation into the fatal shooting of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota to the Central Bureau of Investigation. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann communicated the decision through a social media statement, asserting that the state administration remains fully supportive of the grieving family and their ongoing campaign against narcotics. According to the state leadership, the choice to involve the central investigative agency directly addresses the primary grievances voiced by the relatives of the slain campaigner.
Chief Minister Mann maintained that the administration’s campaign against illegal narcotics networks remains uncompromising and that authorities will not hesitate to implement strict measures to eradicate substance abuse from the region. The transfer of the case to federal investigators formed the core of the demands articulated by the action committee and the family members seeking accountability following the incident.
Activist Parvinder Singh Jhota lost his life after being shot at a retail pharmacy located in Mansa. Reports indicate that the confrontation began when the activist challenged a local shopkeeper regarding the unauthorized distribution of pharmaceutical drugs, with the entire altercation broadcast through a live video feed on social media. Four individuals associated with the activist sustained injuries during the violent encounter.
The mortal remains of the activist remain at the civil hospital facility in Mansa as relatives have withheld permission for the mandatory post-mortem examination. The father of the deceased, an ex-serviceman, consistently urged federal oversight to ensure an impartial inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the fatality. Local residents and action committees previously criticized the state machinery and law enforcement bodies for perceived lapses in security and accountability.
The policy shift arrives concurrently with widespread public dissatisfaction and strategic political tours across the region. Protests have emerged throughout various districts, with demonstrators calling for severe legal consequences for the perpetrators and an inquiry into alleged connections between criminal syndicates, local politicians, and administrative officials. A general shutdown had previously impacted normal operations across the state in connection with the escalating protests.
