Anti-Drug Activist Parvinder Singh Jhotta Shot Dead in Punjab
Parvinder Singh Jhotta, an anti-drug activist, was shot dead in Mansa, Punjab, raising concerns over safety for those fighting drug abuse.
Mansa, October 13 (Daily Kiran) : In a shocking incident on Tuesday morning, Parvinder Singh Jhotta, a prominent anti-drug activist, was shot dead in Mansa, Punjab. His assassination has raised serious concerns regarding the safety of individuals campaigning against drug abuse in the region.
Initial reports suggest that the shooting stemmed from a dispute related to anti-drug activities, allegedly involving a local medical store owner. Jhotta was affiliated with an anti-drug task force and was known for his relentless efforts against drug trafficking and the sale of narcotics. He actively confronted suspected drug dealers and rallied local communities to unite against substance abuse.
According to Gurmel Singh, the Senior Medical Officer at Mansa Civil Hospital, Jhotta sustained three gunshot wounds, with one bullet striking his liver, which ultimately led to his death. Eyewitness accounts indicate that he was shot at close range.
Jhotta, well-known on social media as “Jhotta,” was particularly active in campaigning against the sale of banned capsules in local medical stores. His advocacy resulted in several village councils passing resolutions against drug use. However, his confrontations with individuals linked to drug-related activities often drew controversy.
The atmosphere in Mansa has become tense following this incident. As of now, the reasons behind the shooting, the identity of the assailant, and details of police action remain unconfirmed.
In response to the murder, Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, former president of the Punjab Congress, stated that Jhotta’s daylight assassination is a direct result of the Bhagwant Mann government’s failure to maintain law and order and its ineffective campaign against drugs. He expressed his condolences to Jhotta’s family and supporters, emphasizing that Jhotta’s efforts to combat drug abuse were never supported by the Aam Aadmi Party government. Warring recalled meeting Jhotta’s family in 2023 when they faced false accusations leading to his arrest, and he wished them strength during this difficult time.
