Political tension further escalated on Tuesday after Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced that the murder case of anti-drug activist Parminder Singh Jhota would be handed over to the CBI. The move resulted in responses from the BJP and Congress in anticipation of the visit by Union Home Minister Amit Shah to the state.
Mann in a post on X said the state government was with the family and father of Jhota, who has been forthcoming with evidence of drug activity. The chief minister said the case would be handed over to the Central Agency because the family had made a demand for it.
“We have an all-out war against drug dealers. The government will not deter from taking any tough measures, no matter which are needed to ensure that Punjab is a drug-free environment,” Mann said.
Anti-Drug Activist Shot Dead in Mansa
Jhota was resigned to voice his protest against the alleged selling of drugs in unknown quantities at the medical store. On 13th October, while working in a medical shop in a bustling Market in Mansa, he was killed.
It is reflected in the detailed account submitted that Ashwani Kumar, the proprietor of the store, had asked Jhota, about selling drugs to him for consumption by an old man. The activist was fatally shot by Kumar who was arrested in Salasar, Rajasthan.
According to reports, the shooting was while Jhota was reporting on a Facebook Live, earning plenty of attention and calls for justice.
Family Continues Protest Over Last Rites
Jhota’s post mortem examination and cremation had yet to be conducted 7 days after the shooting. His relatives and proponents were denying him the rite of the Dead until they could be assured of justice.
Standoff has further worsened the demands for accountability and a proper investigation by the State Government.
Political Reactions Intensify
The transfer of case to police has sparked off a political row, with the BJP and Congress responding as the state of Punjab gears up for early elections early next year. That’s on top of the timing – it comes before Amit Shah’s visit.
The CBI inquiry will be seeking to delve into the circumstances of Jhota’s killing. Case further developments will rely upon the formal transfer of the case and its investigation.