The killing of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Punjab’s Mansa district has triggered public outrage, protests and a political confrontation over law and order. The house of Ashwani Kumar, a medical store owner accused of shooting Jhota dead, has been demolished, while a crowd reportedly set fire to Kumar’s shop.
Kumar was arrested in Salasar, Rajasthan, on Wednesday, October 14, following the shooting. He is accused of opening fire on Jhota during a confrontation over the alleged sale of addictive drugs at his medical store.
Police personnel were deployed in the area to maintain law and order as the administration took action over alleged illegal construction. Mansa Senior Superintendent of Police Vaibhav Choudhary said the police had been informed about the administrative action and had arrived with additional personnel to prevent any disturbance.
Video Captures Confrontation Before Shooting
Jhota had been raising concerns about drug abuse and the alleged illegal sale of addictive substances at chemist shops. According to the report, he confronted Kumar alongside supporters after questioning the sale of certain medicines to a man.
The confrontation was captured on video. In footage that subsequently circulated online, Jhota could reportedly be heard saying that the shop owner had pulled out a pistol. Another video allegedly showed Kumar emerging from the shop with a weapon and chasing Jhota.
Jhota was later found seriously injured inside a nearby shop. He was taken to a hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival, according to the report.
The incident has intensified concerns about the safety of people campaigning against drug abuse in Punjab.
Opposition Targets Bhagwant Mann Government
The killing has drawn criticism from opposition parties over the Bhagwant Mann-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government's handling of law and order and its anti-drug campaign, Yudh Nashian Virudh.
Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring accused the government of failing to protect Jhota and address the state's drug problem. Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal also criticised the administration, describing the anti-drug campaign as ineffective.
Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia questioned the government's response, while Punjab BJP chief Kewal Singh Dhillon attacked its handling of law and order.
AAP leader Baltej Pannu condemned the killing and promised strict action against those responsible, stressing that nobody should take the law into their own hands.
Drug Menace and Law and Order Under Scrutiny
The incident has renewed debate over drug abuse, public safety and the effectiveness of Punjab's anti-drug measures. The allegations against Kumar will be subject to the legal process, while the circumstances surrounding the demolition and the torching of the shop remain important aspects of the wider episode.
For official information on Punjab's administration, visit the Punjab Government website.
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