Anti-Drug Crusader Parwinder Jhota Shot Dead on Facebook Live; Accused Chemist Nabbed in Rajasthan

Mansa / Chandigarh — Tensions soared across Punjab following the daylight murder of prominent anti-drug activist Parwinder Singh Jhota (45), who was shot dead on Tuesday during a live Facebook broadcast at a medical shop in Mansa.

The prime accused, chemist Ashwini Kumar, who fled the state after pumping three bullets into Jhota, was arrested by Punjab Police from Salasar, Rajasthan, following a multi-state manhunt.

Caught on Camera: Fatal Showdown Inside Chemist Shop

According to eyewitnesses and family members, Jhota arrived at the chemist shop in Mansa around 9:15 AM after receiving an alert that habit-forming and banned pharmaceutical drugs were being sold to an elderly man.

Upon entering the shop, Jhota began streaming live on Facebook to confront the owner. The video captured a tense verbal spat between Jhota and Kumar. Even after noticing the shopkeeper brandishing a firearm, Jhota stood his ground. Seconds later, Kumar fired three shots at point-blank range. Jhota collapsed and was rushed to Mansa Civil Hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival.

Outrage and Shutdown: Protests Erupt Across Malwa

The activist’s killing triggered widespread anger among Sikh organizations, farmer unions, and opposition parties.

• Mansa Bandh: Local business establishments shut their doors as protesters gathered outside the Civil Hospital.

• Family Demands CBI Probe: Refusing to cremate Jhota's mortal remains, his grieving family demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe and called for the resignations of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and DGP Gaurav Yadav.

• Administrative Crackdown: Local authorities announced plans to bulldoze the residential property of the accused chemist, citing proceeds of illicit trade.

Questions Raised Over Arms License Clearance

The murder weapon has ignited sharp criticism against the district administration and police screening processes. Investigations revealed that the licensed pistol used in the crime was issued to Ashwini Kumar barely four months ago—despite him facing four prior criminal cases.

Special DGP (Law & Order) Arpit Shukla and senior officials assured that an inquiry would determine how police verification and weapon clearance were granted to an individual with a criminal background.

Political Fallout: Opposition Blames AAP Government

Opposition parties rallied around Jhota's family, accusing the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of failing to protect citizens battling the drug epidemic:

• Congress MP Amrinder Singh Raja Warring visited Mansa, declaring Jhota a "martyr" in Punjab’s war against drugs and announcing full support for state-wide protest calls on October 15.

• Waris Punjab De & SAD: Tarsem Singh, father of MP Amritpal Singh, accused the administration of stifling voices that oppose narcotics syndicates. Police placed several leaders under house arrest and detained local coordinators across Kotkapura and border districts to prevent mobilization.

Police officials maintain that the killing stemmed from a personal rivalry dating back to 2023, when Jhota had publicly confronted and garlanded Kumar with shoes over alleged illicit drug sales. Activists and kin, however, reject the "personal enmity" theory, maintaining it was an execution orchestrated by drug peddlers.