Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday described the killing of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhotta as deeply tragic and vowed strict action against everyone responsible, including anyone found to have planned or conspired in the murder.
Mann also accused opposition parties of politicising the incident for their own interests, saying the government’s priority was to ensure accountability and uphold the rule of law.
Describing the killing in Mansa as unfortunate, the chief minister said those directly involved in the crime would face action. He added that anyone found to have planned the murder or been part of a conspiracy would also be brought to justice.
Jhotta was known for speaking out against drug abuse and the alleged illegal sale of intoxicating substances at chemist shops. He was shot dead in Mansa market on Tuesday.
The main accused, a medical store owner, was arrested in Salasar, Rajasthan, on Wednesday. The killing triggered public anger, with a crowd setting fire to the accused’s shop. Authorities also demolished part of his house.
Jhotta’s father called for a Punjab-wide bandh on Thursday to demand justice. The shutdown received support from the Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal, BJP, Akali Dal-Waris Punjab De, Samyukt Kisan Morcha and organisations representing state government employees.
The investigation into the murder is ongoing, with demands for accountability and a thorough probe continuing to shape the political response to the incident.
