MANSA/CHANDIGARH,October 19, 2026: The murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota has intensified demands for an independent investigation in Punjab, with his father, Bhim Singh, announcing that he will appeal directly to Union Home Minister Amit Shah for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into his son’s killing.
Jhota was shot dead in broad daylight inside a medical store in a busy marketplace in Mansa on October 13, allegedly after confronting the shop owner over the sale of addictive medicines. The incident has triggered widespread anger among his family members, supporters and social organisations campaigning against drug abuse and the illegal sale of intoxicating substances.
The case has become a major political issue in Punjab, where assembly elections are expected early next year. While the family is demanding an independent investigation and accountability, political parties and protest organisers have also raised questions about the government’s handling of the drug menace.
FATHER APPEALS DIRECTLY TO AMIT SHAH FOR CBI INVESTIGATION
Bhim Singh, an ex-serviceman, told reporters on Monday that he intends to meet Amit Shah during the Union Home Minister’s scheduled visit to Punjab on Tuesday, October 20.
He urged Shah to ensure that a CBI investigation is ordered without delay, expressing confidence in the Union Home Minister’s ability to help the family obtain justice.
“I request Amit Shah ji that a CBI probe should be ordered as soon as possible,” Singh said.
He also appealed to Shah not to join the gathering at the protest site but instead to meet the bereaved family personally. According to Singh, a direct meeting would provide an opportunity to discuss the case and the family’s demand for a fair and credible investigation.
Singh’s appeal came a day after Shah announced that he would visit Punjab and meet families of people who had recently lost their lives after raising their voices against the drug menace in Mansa, Sangrur and Gurdaspur.
Shah has accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab of failing to control the state’s drug problem, alleging that the government has pushed Punjab deeper into the crisis.
HOW THE MURDER TOOK PLACE
According to the reported account, Jhota was known for confronting the illegal sale of addictive substances, including medicines allegedly being sold improperly through chemist shops.
On October 13, he was inside a medical store in a crowded marketplace in Mansa when a confrontation allegedly took place after he questioned the shop owner about the sale of addictive drugs to an elderly man.
The store owner, identified as Ashwani Kumar, allegedly opened fire on Jhota. The incident occurred while Jhota was hosting a Facebook Live broadcast, bringing immediate attention to the killing.
Kumar was subsequently taken into custody in Rajasthan’s Salasar.
The reported circumstances of the shooting have raised serious concerns among Jhota’s supporters, who view his death as a devastating blow to efforts to challenge the illegal sale of addictive substances.
The precise circumstances and criminal responsibility remain matters for the investigating authorities and judicial process to establish.
FAMILY AND SUPPORTERS REFUSE TO ALLOW LAST RITES
Six days after the shooting, Jhota’s post-mortem examination and cremation had still not taken place, according to the report dated October 19.
His family members and supporters have refused to permit the last rites until their demands for justice are addressed.
Protests have continued in Mansa, with demonstrators calling for a transparent investigation and strong action against those they believe should be held accountable.
The decision to delay the last rites reflects the family’s determination to keep public attention focused on the case. It has also increased pressure on the state government to engage with the family and the organisations leading the protest.
JOINT ACTION COMMITTEE DEMANDS CBI PROBE AND ACTION AGAINST OFFICIALS
A joint action committee, formed by various organisations and social activists following Jhota’s murder, has demanded a CBI investigation into the case.
The committee has also called for the resignation of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav.
In addition, it has demanded the dismissal of the Mansa Senior Superintendent of Police, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Station House Officer and the drug inspector.
These demands reflect the protesters’ broader concerns about law enforcement, accountability and the authorities’ response to the drug problem. However, the demands are those of the committee and should not be treated as findings of official misconduct.
The committee has also objected to Amit Shah sharing the stage at the protest site during his visit. One of its members argued that the BJP-led government at the Centre had failed to stop drug supplies coming across the border and accused political leaders of attempting to use the protest for political advantage.
This position contrasts with Bhim Singh’s appeal to Shah, highlighting differences among those seeking justice for Jhota over how the Union Home Minister should engage with the movement.
PUNJAB GOVERNMENT FORMS THREE-MEMBER COMMITTEE
In response to the situation, the Punjab government has constituted a three-member committee of women IAS officers to hold discussions with Jhota’s family and the joint action committee.
The committee comprises Navjot Kaur, Kanwalpreet Kaur Brar and Apnit Riyat.
The panel’s role, as described in the report, is to engage with the bereaved family and protest representatives. Its discussions could provide an opportunity to address the demands, clarify the government’s position and explore a way forward.
The formation of the committee comes amid continuing demonstrations and growing pressure on the state administration to respond to the concerns raised by the family and campaigners.
DRUG MENACE BECOMES A MAJOR POLITICAL FLASHPOINT
Jhota’s killing has intensified the political debate over drug abuse and the illegal distribution of addictive substances in Punjab.
Amit Shah has criticised the AAP government over the drug situation, while protest organisers have also questioned the Centre’s role in controlling cross-border drug supplies.
The case has therefore developed into a wider political confrontation involving the state government, the BJP-led Centre and civil society groups demanding accountability.
Punjab’s drug problem has long been a major public concern because substance abuse can damage families, undermine livelihoods and place pressure on healthcare and law-enforcement systems. Allegations of illegal sales of addictive medicines add another dimension to the challenge, particularly when such products are reportedly accessible through commercial outlets.
Jhota’s supporters argue that people who expose illegal activity must be protected and that allegations involving the sale of addictive substances should be investigated effectively.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
The next significant development is expected during Amit Shah’s visit to Punjab on Tuesday, October 20, when Bhim Singh intends to raise the demand for a CBI probe.
The outcome of any meeting, the government’s response to the family’s demands and the progress of the criminal investigation will be closely watched.
The family is seeking an independent investigation, while the joint action committee has set out additional political and administrative demands. The state government’s three-member committee is expected to engage with the family and protest representatives.
A CBI investigation would require the appropriate legal and administrative steps; the family’s appeal alone does not mean that such a probe has been ordered.
CONCLUSION: JUSTICE AND ACCOUNTABILITY REMAIN CENTRAL DEMANDS
The murder of Parvinder Singh Jhota has sparked a determined campaign for justice in Mansa, bringing renewed attention to allegations of illegal drug sales and the wider challenge of tackling substance abuse in Punjab.
His father is now seeking Amit Shah’s intervention for a CBI investigation, while supporters continue to demand accountability and refuse to allow the last rites until their concerns are addressed.
The crucial questions remain whether the family will receive assurances it considers credible, whether an independent probe will be initiated and whether the investigation will establish the full circumstances of Jhota’s killing.
