Anti-drug activist Parminder Singh Jhota was shot dead in broad daylight in Punjab’s Mansa district on Tuesday, triggering public protests and a political backlash against the Bhagwant Mann-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government. According to police, Jhota was confronting a medical store owner over the alleged illegal sale of addictive drugs when the incident took place.
View this post on Instagram
The killing has raised fresh questions about law and order in Punjab and the state government’s efforts to combat drug abuse.
Parminder Singh Jhota Shot During Confrontation
According to police, Jhota was questioning a chemist over the alleged sale of addictive drugs to an individual and recording the confrontation on his mobile phone.
In the video, Jhota can reportedly be heard saying that the shop owner had drawn a pistol before the alleged shooting took place.
Jhota was rushed to a local hospital after being shot, but he succumbed to his injuries.
The incident has drawn attention to the risks faced by individuals involved in anti-drug campaigns, particularly those who confront people suspected of participating in the illegal drug trade.
Family Seeks Security, Vows To Continue Anti-Drug Fight
Speaking amid public protests in Mansa, Jhota’s father accused the Punjab government of failing to provide his son with adequate protection. He also expressed concern for the safety of his grandchildren.
“The Punjab government did not provide him with any security. Nobody protected us, and now my grandchildren are at risk,” his father said, appealing to the Centre for intervention.
He vowed to continue his son’s campaign against drugs and said he would not be intimidated by threats.
“We will continue fighting this war against drugs. As long as I am alive, I will keep raising my voice. I am not afraid of dying; I am ready to take a bullet,” he said.
Jhota’s father also called on people to gather for a demonstration in Mansa and demand accountability over the killing.
Opposition Targets Bhagwant Mann Government
The killing has intensified criticism of the AAP government and its flagship anti-drug campaign, Yudh Nashean Virudh.
Opposition leaders have questioned the state’s law-and-order situation and demanded accountability from the government.
Former Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring described the killing as a consequence of what he alleged was a breakdown in law and order. He also referred to Jhota’s reported arrest in 2023, claiming that he had faced false charges without adequate official support.
Congress leader Sukhpal Singh Khaira alleged that a “politician-police-drug mafia nexus” was operating across the state.
These statements have added to the political pressure on the Bhagwant Mann government, with opposition leaders questioning whether the state’s anti-drug efforts are adequately protecting those who speak out against the illegal drug trade.
Drug Menace And Law And Order In Focus
Parminder Singh Jhota’s killing has brought Punjab’s drug problem back into the political spotlight. The state government’s anti-drug campaign has been a major public issue, with political parties frequently trading accusations over enforcement and accountability.
The incident has also prompted concerns about the safety of people who challenge the alleged illegal sale of addictive substances.
While opposition leaders have used the killing to question the government’s performance, the investigation into the shooting will be crucial in establishing the circumstances and responsibility for the crime.
As protests continue in Mansa, Jhota’s family has vowed to carry forward his anti-drug campaign and seek justice.
FAQs
Q: Who was Parminder Singh Jhota?
A: Parminder Singh Jhota was an anti-drug activist in Punjab who was shot dead in Mansa district on Tuesday.
Q: How was Parminder Singh Jhota allegedly killed?
A: According to police, Jhota was confronting a medical store owner over the alleged illegal sale of addictive drugs when he was shot. He later died at a local hospital.
Q: What did Jhota’s father demand?
A: His father called for accountability, appealed to the Centre for intervention and vowed to continue his son’s anti-drug campaign.
Q: Why has the killing triggered a political row?
A: Opposition leaders have criticised the AAP government over law and order and raised questions about the effectiveness of its anti-drug campaign.
Q: What is Yudh Nashean Virudh?
A: Yudh Nashean Virudh is the Punjab government’s anti-drug campaign, which has come under renewed political scrutiny following Jhota’s killing.