Parwinder Jhota Murder Case: Union Home Minister Amit Shah Slams AAP Government Over Law & Order in Punjab, MHA to Seek Report

The murder of anti-drug crusader Parwinder Singh Jhota in Mansa has triggered a major political flashpoint, with the Central Government stepping into the controversy. Union Home Minister Amit Shah voiced serious concern over the incident, criticizing the Bhagwant Mann-led AAP government over the deteriorating law and order situation, organized crime, and the rampant illicit drug trade across Punjab.

Taking to social media platform X, Amit Shah stated that the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) would seek an official report from the Punjab government regarding Jhota’s daytime shooting in Mansa, as well as the tragic suicide of Gulzar Singh in Dirba following harassment by local leaders.

https://twitter.com/AmitShah/status/2110968662673019128?s=20

"Punjab today grapples with rising threats of drugs, gangsterism, and organized crime. The foremost question before the Bhagwant Mann government is: who will protect the people of Punjab? The illicit drug trade thrives, organized crime expands, and those standing up against drugs face deadly threats," Shah said.

Reiterating the BJP’s stance, Shah vowed that if voted to power, the party would systematically wipe out drug networks, dismantle organized crime syndicates, and restore strict rule of law across the state.

The Two Cases Highlighted by Union Home Minister

1. Murder of Activist Parwinder Singh Jhota (Mansa)

On October 13, activist Parwinder Singh, known locally as "Jhota," was fatally shot following an altercation over the alleged illicit sale of narcotic drugs at a local medical store run by Ashwani Kumar. Jhota sustained multiple bullet wounds and succumbed to his injuries, while four companions were injured.

Police arrested primary suspect Ashwani Kumar from Salasar, Rajasthan, on October 14. Amid public outrage, protesters torched the suspect's establishment, and civic authorities demolished illegal portions of his residence. Station House Officer (SHO) Beant Kaur of Mansa City-2 was suspended for alleged procedural lapses. Accused individuals Ashwani Kumar and Vipin Kumar were placed in police remand until October 22. Jhota’s family and multiple civil organizations have called for an independent Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe.

2. Forced Suicide of Gulzar Singh (Dirba, Sangrur)

On September 6, 2026, Gulzar Singh (50), a resident of Toorbanjara village in Sangrur, publicly confronted Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema regarding the unchecked sale of synthetic drugs ("chitta") and his own son's addiction. The family alleged that local village heads and acquaintances subsequently subjected him to severe harassment, casteist slurs, and coercion to tender an apology.

On September 7, Gulzar Singh consumed poison and later died during treatment. Prior to his demise, he recorded a video naming those responsible for intimidating him. Police subsequently booked five individuals, including the village Sarpanch, under abetment to suicide and the SC/ST Act, forming a Special Investigation Team (SIT). The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) and the Punjab & Haryana High Court have also sought status reports from the state administration.