India
Centre Demands Punjab Report on Anti‑Drug Activist Jhota’s Killing and Anti‑Narcotics Measures
By HT News Desk
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has asked the Punjab government to submit a detailed report on the murder of anti‑drug activist Parwinder Singh, known as Jhota, who was shot dead on 13 October in Mansa. The MHA also requested information on the steps taken by the state to strengthen anti‑narcotics operations. The ministry has urged the implementation of key measures to support India’s drug‑free goal, including the creation of a dedicated Anti‑Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), financial investigations in drug‑related cases, and enhanced prosecution under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. It also stressed better coordination through the Narco‑Coordination Centre (NCORD) mechanism, the designation of special NDPS courts, appointment of nodal officers, and action against transnational drug networks.
Jhota was killed in broad daylight during a confrontation at a medical store in Mansa over the alleged sale of addictive substances. He had been campaigning against drug abuse and the illegal sale of habit‑forming medicines at chemist shops, often confronting suspected sellers and recording videos for social media. On the day of the incident, he and his associates confronted a shop owner who allegedly opened fire, resulting in Jhota’s death and injuries to others.
The killing sparked protests in Mansa and other parts of Punjab. Jhota’s family refused to cremate his body and demanded action against those responsible. Supporters and several farmer organisations called for a statewide bandh on 16 October. Opposition parties and farmer groups urged a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe. Punjab Congress president Pargat Singh and Congress MP Amrinder Singh Raja Warring criticised the Aam Aadmi Party government for its handling of law and order and the drug menace. Punjab BJP chief Kewal Singh Dhillon also demanded a CBI probe, while Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia called for the dissolution of the state government and the imposition of President’s Rule.
Frequently asked questions
What did the Union Ministry of Home Affairs request from the Punjab government regarding the murder of anti‑drug activist Parwinder Singh (Jhota)?
The MHA asked Punjab to submit a detailed report on Jhota's murder and information on steps taken to strengthen anti‑narcotics operations.
When and where was anti‑drug activist Parwinder Singh (Jhota) killed?
He was shot dead on 13 October in Mansa during a confrontation at a medical store over the alleged sale of addictive substances.
What actions were demanded by opposition parties and farmer groups following Jhota's killing?
They called for a Central Bureau of Investigation probe, a statewide bandh on 16 October, and, in some cases, dissolution of the state government and imposition of President’s Rule.