Chandigarh: Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh has paid tribute to anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhotta, calling him a martyr and demanding justice for his family following his killing in Mansa.
Dosanjh shared Jhotta’s photograph on Instagram on Sunday, writing: “Martyr Parvinder Singh. In this hour of grief, the entire Punjab stands with the family. The family must get justice.”
Jhotta, known for speaking out against the alleged illegal sale of intoxicating medicines at chemist shops, was shot dead inside a medical store in a crowded Mansa market on October 13. According to the report, the shop owner, Ashwini Kumar, allegedly opened fire after Jhotta questioned him about selling intoxicating medicines to an elderly man. Kumar was apprehended in Salasar, Rajasthan.
The shooting reportedly took place while Jhotta was livestreaming on Facebook. Six days after his death, his post-mortem examination and cremation had still not taken place, as his family and supporters continued their protest in Mansa, refusing to perform the last rites until justice was delivered.
A joint action committee comprising various organisations and social activists has demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the killing, along with the resignations of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav.
Meanwhile, actor Neeru Bajwa announced on Sunday that she had decided to temporarily halt screenings of her new Punjabi film Thapi, which was released in cinemas on October 16, in view of the public anger following Jhotta’s killing.
In a Facebook post, Bajwa said Punjab and Punjabi identity had shaped who they were, adding that the film was intended to bring renewed vibrancy to the state’s agricultural communities. She said cinema was for the people and could never be more important than them, reaffirming her support for Punjab.
Punjabi singer Babbu Maan also joined the protest in Mansa on Sunday and praised Jhotta for his efforts in the fight against drugs.
