Punjab Government Submits Written Response to Jhota Killing Action Committee in Mansa

Mansa, Punjab – The Punjab government panel on Friday presented a written response detailing its commitments to an action committee regarding the killing of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota. The third round of talks, held in Mansa, saw the participation of Jhota’s father, Bhim Singh, and his wife, Manpreet Kaur.

Information was available with The Chenab Times that Apneet Riyait, Special Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department, who chairs the state government panel, informed attendees that the murder case has already been transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for its ongoing investigation.

Riyait further stated that the government has agreed to conduct the post-mortem examination of Jhota by a panel of senior doctors from the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh. Additionally, a statue of Parvinder Singh Jhota is slated to be installed in a government park or stadium within Mansa. The bereaved family is also being provided with security cover.

In terms of regulatory actions, Riyait confirmed that the Health Department has sealed four medical stores in Mansa since the incident. Three drug licenses have been cancelled, and one has been suspended. Furthermore, an Station House Officer (SHO), a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), and a Drug Inspector have been suspended, with their suspension orders to be shared with the committee shortly. The proposed trauma centre in Mansa district is to be named in honour of Jhota. The state government will also formally recommend to the CBI the expeditious trial of the case.

The four individuals who sustained injuries during the firing incident are receiving treatment at the state government’s expense. Each of the injured will also receive financial assistance amounting to Rs 5 lakh.

Addressing the demand to regulate the sale of pregabalin capsules, Riyait announced that the drug has been included in the relevant drug schedule. Its sale will now require a prescription, effective November 26. The police have also been instructed to take action concerning the cancellation of First Information Reports (FIRs) that were registered following the tearing down of hoardings during protests related to the case.

Riyait described the meeting as positive, emphasizing that the committee had received a comprehensive written response outlining the fulfilled demands. She noted that the committee members would deliberate on the government’s response and communicate their decision subsequently. She added that the government is open to holding further meetings at the committee’s convenience.

Responding to an inquiry about the post-mortem, Riyait reiterated its importance as a component of the investigation. She assured that the CBI, which is leading the probe, would conduct the post-mortem with the family’s consent.

A member of the action committee stated that the group’s members would review the government’s response internally before conveying their decision. The committee had previously submitted a 14-point charter of demands to the state government panel following Jhota’s killing, an event that had sparked widespread protests in Mansa and across Punjab concerning drug-related issues and calls for justice.

Among the key demands that reportedly remain pending are the resignation of the Chief Minister and the Director General of Police (DGP), along with the dismissal of certain police officers.

Parvinder Singh Jhota, an anti-drug activist, was shot and killed at a chemist shop in Mansa town on October 13. The confrontation reportedly occurred over the alleged sale of banned drugs. The incident, which was notably streamed live on Facebook, incited significant public outcry and intensified demands for stringent action against those implicated.

---

---

Follow us on

---

(We don't allow anyone to copy content. For Copyright or Use of Content related questions, visit here.)