PUNJAB BANDH CALL OVER ACTIVIST’S KILLING; ACCUSED’S HOUSE, MEDICAL STORE DEMOLISHED

Naresh Kumar/Mansa

A day after anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhotta (45) was shot dead in Mansa district, the police arrested the accused chemist in Rajasthan, while the district administration demolished his house and medical store amid widespread anger over the killing.

The accused, Ashwini Kumar, allegedly shot Jhotta three times on Tuesday. A video of the incident reportedly surfaced on Facebook and circulated widely on social media. Police confirmed that accused was arrested from Salasar in Rajasthan.

The demolition of the accused’s property triggered further tension, with an agitated crowd vandalising the medical store and setting it on fire.

Meanwhile, Sikh organisations have called for a Punjab-wide bandh on Thursday to protest against the killing and demand action in the case. Markets in Mansa remained shut on Wednesday following a shutdown call by Sikh organisations, with shopkeepers lowering their shutters in response to the appeal.

Jhotta’s family members have refused to perform his last rites, demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the killing. They have also sought the resignation of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken cognisance of the incident and sought reports from the Punjab chief secretary and the state police chief. Police have registered an FIR against Ashwini Kumar and others on the basis of a complaint lodged by the victim’s father, Bhim Singh, officials said.

CM appeals for action against culprits

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann issued a video statement for the first time, around 28 hours after the killing, assuring that those responsible would not be spared.

Meanwhile, gangster Jassi Pencher of Mansa, who claims to have been a friend of Jhotta, reportedly posted a message on social media threatening to avenge the activist’s killing. The social media post has added to concerns over possible retaliation, even as the police investigate the murder and efforts are underway to maintain law and order in the area.