Parvinder Singh Jhota murder investigation to be handed over to CBI: Bhagwant Mann

Activists stage a protest against the drug menace and the killing of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Amritsar. File | Photo credit: ANI

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday (October 20, 2026) said his government would hand over the investigation into the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Mann also expressed solidarity with Jhot’s family.

“We stand firmly with Parvinder Singh Jhota’s father and his family. We accept the family’s demand and hand over this case to the CBI. Our fight against drug peddlers is total. We will not back down from any drastic steps we have to take to make Punjab drug-free,” Mr Mann said on X in Punjabi.

Jhota’s family has demanded a CBI probe into the murder incident.

Jhota, known for raising his voice against the illegal sale of narcotics in pharmacies, was gunned down in broad daylight on October 13 at a pharmacy in a busy market in Mansa.

Ashwani Kumar, the shop owner who opened fire on Jhota after questioning him for selling drugs to an elderly man, has been taken into custody from Rajasthan’s Salasar.

The incident, which happened while Jhota was hosting a Facebook Live, has set off a political wave in Punjab, which goes to the polls early next year.

Seven days after Jhota was shot, his post-mortem and cremation are yet to take place as his family members and supporters refuse to allow the last rites until justice is served.

Since his killing, Jhot’s family and supporters have been holding a protest at Mansa.

A joint action committee comprising various units and social activists formed after Jhota’s murder has demanded a CBI probe.

The protesters demanded the resignation of Mann and Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav and the dismissal of Senior Superintendent of Police Mansa, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Station House Officer and Drug Inspector.

Published – 20 Oct 2026 10:36 IST