Mansa: Police investigating the killing of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhotta in Punjab’s Mansa district are examining five phone calls allegedly made by chemist Ashwini Kumar during a confrontation at his shop shortly before the shooting.
According to police, Kumar made four calls to his son and one to his uncle while the dispute involving Jhotta and others was underway. The calls are also reportedly visible in a 5-minute-and-48-second Facebook Live video recorded before Jhotta’s death.
Police said Kumar’s son was taking a bath at the time and did not answer the first three calls, but picked up the fourth. His uncle answered the first call. Investigators believe Kumar contacted both relatives to seek help. Their identities have not been disclosed for security reasons.
Police have confirmed that all five calls were made over the regular mobile network. Investigators are also examining whether Kumar used WhatsApp to make calls or send messages during the incident, although no formal details of that part of the probe have been released.
Jhotta’s father, Bhim Sain, has questioned the calls and alleged that Kumar spoke to an influential person before opening fire on his son. He has repeatedly demanded that the identities of anyone contacted by the accused before the killing, along with relevant call records, be made public.
The allegations about contact with an influential person have not been independently established. The investigation is ongoing.
