States » NorthPosted at: Oct 28 2026 9:24PM


NHRC issues notice to Punjab chief secretary, DGP over Mansa death as protests intensify

Chandigarh, Oct 28 (UNI) The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notices to Punjab's chief secretary and Director General of Police, seeking a report within two weeks on the suspicious death of a Mansa resident whose body was taken into police custody during protests linked to the killing of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota.
The commission's intervention comes amid escalating tensions in Mansa, where protesters have accused police of using force against the family and supporters of Daljit Singh, a resident of Bhamme Kalan village.
Daljit's family alleged that he died following a drug overdose and brought his body to a protest demanding justice for Jhota, who was killed earlier this month.
Police took custody of the body on Tuesday, triggering confrontations with protesters who accused officers of forcibly removing it and pressuring the family to agree to a post-mortem examination.
NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo issued the notices following a complaint alleging that Daljit died under suspicious circumstances and that police had taken away his body while the family was seeking answers.
The commission said the circumstances surrounding the death required an in-depth investigation and directed the state's top administrative and police officials to submit an action-taken report within two weeks.
Mansa Senior Superintendent of Police Vaibhav Chaudhary disputed claims that the death was caused by a drug overdose.
"Some misinformation spread in the area that the death was caused by a drug overdose," Chaudhary said, adding that police were investigating suspected criminal involvement.
The controversy has added to tensions surrounding the killing of Jhota, an anti-drug campaigner whose family and supporters have been demanding action against those responsible.
Protesters also surrounded a police forensic vehicle on Wednesday and prevented it from proceeding, according to local accounts.
Meanwhile, three accused in the Jhota murder case, including Ashwini Kumar, were remanded to 14 days of judicial custody after their police remand ended.
The protest committee demanded the release of detained activists, including Lakha Sidhana and Mohanjit Sheron, and announced plans to consult around 50 organisations on October 30.
It also called for demonstrations outside the residences of Punjab legislators on October 31.
Former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi criticised the state government's handling of the protests, alleging that the police response had aggravated public anger.
The developments have intensified scrutiny of the Punjab government's handling of drug-related deaths, criminal investigations and protests demanding accountability.
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Tags: #NHRC issues notice to Punjab chief secretary# DGP over Mansa death as protests intensify
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