Mansa, Punjab – Tension gripped the city of Mansa following the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota, as an agitated mob, reportedly including some Nihangs, took to the streets a day after the killing. The angry crowd vandalised and subsequently set ablaze the shop belonging to the main accused, Ashwani Kumar, located near the main railway crossing. In a separate development, the district administration on Wednesday demolished the front portion of Ashwani Kumar’s house in Veer Nagar, citing a past complaint regarding illegal construction.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the shop was subjected to extensive damage, with attackers using iron rods, sticks, and swords before employing an earth-moving machine to demolish the structure. A significant police presence was maintained at the scene to prevent further escalation and ensure law and order. Reports indicated that a nearby shop had been vacated prior to the mob’s actions. Minor altercations between some Nihangs and the police were also reported amidst the unrest, with the mob raising slogans.
Mansa Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Vaibhav Chaudhary stated that police personnel had been deployed to manage the situation. He confirmed that the civil administration was undertaking action concerning the house based on a prior complaint. The main accused, Ashwani Kumar, was arrested late Tuesday night in Rajasthan, concluding an intensive search operation by the police following the shooting incident. The same shooting also resulted in injuries to four other individuals.
The confrontation that led to Jhota’s death was reportedly captured on a Facebook live stream initiated by the anti-drug activist himself. The footage purportedly depicted an argument between Jhota and the owner of a chemist shop, with allegations of drug sales forming the crux of the dispute. Parvinder Singh Jhota was widely recognised for his persistent campaigning against drug abuse in the region and his efforts to expose the illicit sale of addictive substances through local pharmacies.
His killing has ignited widespread protests across Mansa. Activists and supporters of Jhota have been vocally demanding swift and decisive action against all individuals implicated in his murder. The city has observed a shutdown for two consecutive days, reflecting the deep public anguish and anger over the incident. As of Wednesday, Jhota’s body remained at the Civil Hospital, awaiting a post-mortem examination.
The events underscore a heightened state of alert in Mansa, with authorities working to restore normalcy while addressing the underlying tensions that have surfaced following the activist’s murder. The mob’s actions highlight the public’s sentiment and demand for justice in cases involving drug-related crimes and violence.
The Chenab Times News Desk