Anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota shot dead in Punjab; main suspect arrested in Rajasthan

Anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota was shot dead on October 13 in Mansa, Punjab, during a live-streamed confrontation with a medical store owner he accused of selling intoxicating medicines. Jhota, who had over 24,000 Facebook followers, frequently recorded interventions at pharmacies to expose alleged illegal drug sales.

Punjab Police, in a joint operation with Rajasthan Police, arrested the main shooter on October 14 from a dharamshala near the Salasar Balaji Temple in Salasar, Rajasthan. The suspect was reportedly hiding in disguise when apprehended by Salasar SHO Shankar Lal Bhari.

“Drug addicts killed my son with the backing of the Punjab government and Mansa AAP MLA Vijay Singla.”

Jhota's father alleged his son was killed by drug addicts with the backing of the Punjab government and Mansa AAP MLA Vijay Singla. His mother also blamed Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for the killing, according to reports.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) took cognisance of the case, demanding an Action Taken Report from authorities and directing the chief secretary to ensure the safety of individuals working against drug abuse.

BJP National President Nitin Nabin condemned the killing, stating it exposes the alarming law and order situation in Punjab under the AAP government and questioning the effectiveness of the state's anti-drug drive.