Prominent anti-drug activist Parwinder Singh Jhota was shot dead in broad daylight on Tuesday in Mansa, Punjab. The horrifying incident occurred while Jhota recorded a live video during a sting operation. He had entered a local medical store to confront the shopkeeper over the alleged illicit sale of intoxicating pharmaceutical pills.
The confrontation quickly escalated into violence inside the commercial market. The shopkeeper pulled out a firearm and fired multiple shots at close range. According to crime details reported by The Indian Express, the entire sequence played out live before shocked social media viewers. Therefore, the graphic footage spread rapidly across local messaging networks within minutes.
Heated Argument Turns Violent Inside Mansa Store
Jhota had built a huge online following by exposing unauthorized narcotics sales across the Malwa belt. On Tuesday morning, he confronted the chemist, identified by police as Ashwani Kumar. Jhota accused the shop owner of selling banned habit-forming medications to local youth without doctor prescriptions.
The activist demanded to inspect the store’s sales registers and inventory stocks. However, the shop owner strongly resisted the questioning, leading to a heated shouting match. As detailed by The Times of India, the altercation spilled out near the shop entrance. Suddenly, the chemist drew a pistol and shot Jhota directly in the chest. Consequently, the young campaigner collapsed on the pavement while bystanders fled in panic.
Police Register Murder Case as Outrage Mounts
Local shopkeepers and associates rushed Jhota to the nearest civil hospital. However, attending doctors declared him dead on arrival due to severe gunshot trauma. District police teams arrived quickly at the crime scene and cordoned off the market area.
Forensic units seized the mobile phone recording and gathered bullet shells from the counter. Furthermore, coverage by India Today confirmed that police registered a formal murder case against the accused. Special operational squads launched search raids across neighboring towns to apprehend the fleeing chemist. In addition, district magistrates deployed extra police forces around Mansa to prevent public retaliation.
Slaying Ignites Political Storm Over State Drug Menace
The broad-daylight murder sparked fierce political anger across Punjab. Farmer unions, youth collectives, and civil society organizations gathered outside the district hospital to demand justice. Protesters blocked arterial highways and demanded strict action against illicit pharmaceutical distribution rings.
Meanwhile, opposition parties launched blistering attacks against the state administration. Opposition leaders accused the government of failing to protect brave grassroots activists fighting the synthetic drug epidemic. On the other hand, senior police officers promised an impartial inquiry into illegal medical sales in the region. Nevertheless, Jhota’s tragic death highlights the deadly risks faced by citizens confronting entrenched narcotics networks in Punjab.
Curated news reports, in-depth analysis, and special features by India’s Opinion editorial team.
