Mansa: An angry crowd set fire to the medical store owned by Ashwani Kumar, the main accused in the killing of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota, in Mansa on Wednesday afternoon. The incident followed vandalism at the shop, where some protesters allegedly used a JCB machine to damage the structure before setting it ablaze.
According to reports, the protesters took control of a JCB machine and began demolishing the shop. They later poured an inflammable substance on the premises and set it on fire. Police personnel and officers present at the scene struggled to control the situation.
Meanwhile, a house belonging to Kumar was demolished later in the afternoon under police supervision. The action came amid the administration’s wider campaign against properties allegedly linked to drug-related activities. The legal basis for the demolition was not immediately clear.
Jhota was shot dead on Tuesday during a heated dispute at a medical store over alleged drug-related activities. His killing has triggered widespread anger in Mansa, with supporters demanding justice and accountability.
Protesters have continued an indefinite sit-in in the city. They have also formed a committee to coordinate the agitation, present their demands to the administration and hold talks with officials.
The police investigation into Jhota’s killing is ongoing, while the protests and property damage have heightened tensions in the area.
