States » NorthPosted at: Oct 17 2026 12:53AM


Centre seeks report from Punjab on anti-drug activist's killing as family refuses to accept body

Chandigarh, Oct 16 (UNI) The Centre has sought a detailed report from the Punjab government on the killing of anti-drug activist Parwinder Singh, popularly known as Jhota, as his family continued its protest for a fourth day today, refusing to accept his body until its demands, including a CBI investigation, are met.
In a letter addressed to the Punjab Chief Secretary, the union government referred to the activist's killing on October 13 in Mansa and sought details of the action taken by the state authorities.
"The State Government is requested to furnish a comprehensive factual report regarding the incident, and steps taken by the State Government in this case," the letter said.
The communication described Jhota as an activist who had campaigned against the sale and abuse of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in Punjab.
It also referred to the union Home Ministry's anti-narcotics action plan, shared with the Punjab Chief Minister on August 10, 2026, and sought a report on the state's implementation of the proposed measures.
The letter said the plan envisaged sustained action towards a drug-free India, including a dedicated anti-narcotics task force, mandatory financial investigations, prosecution reforms and action against transnational drug networks.
Meanwhile, Jhota's family and supporters continued their sit-in in Mansa, demanding the resignations of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav, a CBI investigation and action on other demands.
The activist's father, Bhim Singh, said the family would accept the body only after its demands were fulfilled.
The body remained at Mansa Civil Hospital, where a post-mortem examination had yet to be conducted.
District authorities have held several rounds of talks with the family, but no agreement has been reached.
The committee spearheading the agitation announced plans to protest outside the residences of Aam Aadmi Party legislators and ministers across Punjab on October 19.
Police have also registered two cases in connection with alleged arson, vandalism and inflammatory speeches during protests following the killing.
Deputy Inspector General of Police Harjit Singh said the suspects had been identified and arrests would follow.
Jhota was allegedly shot dead on October 13 by medical store operator Ashwani Kumar following a dispute linked to the activist's campaign against suspected drug sales.
Police have arrested Kumar, his wife Neelam Rani and another alleged accomplice in connection with the killing.
According to police, Kumar was remanded in custody for seven days, while his wife was sent to six days' police remand.
Separately, the Health department and district administration have begun examining the renewal of the medical store operator's drug licence.
The role of drug inspector Naresh is reportedly under scrutiny, with officials seeking records related to the licence renewal process.
Sources said the inspector was questioned late into the night, while the Director of Health Services and Mansa Deputy Commissioner had sought relevant documents.
There was no immediate official confirmation of wrongdoing by the drug inspector.
The killing has triggered protests and renewed scrutiny of the state government's efforts to combat drug trafficking and protect those campaigning against narcotics.
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