Jalandhar, October 15, 2026: The Jalandhar Urban unit of the Shiromani Akali Dal staged a protest on Thursday over the killing of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota, demanding a high-level investigation into the case and stronger action against the alleged illegal sale of intoxicating substances across Punjab.
The demonstration was led by district president Iqbal Singh Dhindsa, with party leaders and workers gathering outside the District Administrative Complex and raising slogans against the Punjab government. The protest formed part of the wider agitation that has followed Jhota’s killing in Mansa.
Akali Dal leaders submitted a memorandum addressed to the Punjab Governor, placing several demands before the administration. These included a CBI investigation into Jhota’s killing, protection for his family and action against anyone found responsible for failing to act on complaints linked to the illegal drug trade.
The party also demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, alleging that the state government had failed to effectively control the drug problem and ensure adequate protection for people publicly campaigning against it. The demand is a political position of the protesting party and has not been accepted by the Punjab government.
Jhota was killed in Mansa on October 13 during a confrontation connected with allegations of illegal sale of intoxicating medicines. The principal accused in the case has since been taken into police custody, while investigators continue to examine whether any other individuals were involved.
During the Jalandhar protest, Akali Dal leaders also raised concerns over the alleged sale of habit-forming medicines through medical stores in the city. They said stricter checks were needed on establishments suspected of selling regulated medicines without following legal requirements.
The party leaders referred to a separate Jalandhar medical-store case and claimed that a very large quantity of intoxicating capsules had been recovered. The exact quantity cited during the protest has not yet been independently established through a final official seizure record, and any figures connected with that case remain subject to verification by the investigating authorities.
The protesters argued that enforcement should not stop with temporary raids or detention of suspects. They demanded action against licences where violations are proved and called for a broader investigation into the supply chain behind the alleged illegal sale of pharmaceutical intoxicants.
Senior party leaders said Punjab’s drug problem could not be addressed only at the street level and called for investigations into those allegedly supplying medicines in bulk, financing illegal operations or facilitating their distribution.
The memorandum also sought accountability in the Jhota case, with the party maintaining that complaints made by anti-drug campaigners should be taken seriously before they develop into threats to personal safety.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has meanwhile said that those responsible for Jhota’s killing will face strict action and has appealed for peace while the investigation continues. The state government has maintained that its campaign against drug trafficking remains active.
The killing has triggered protests across Punjab, with political parties, farmer organisations and other groups demanding justice for Jhota and stronger measures against the drug trade.
For now, the criminal investigation into Jhota’s death and the separate enforcement actions involving medical stores remain ongoing. Responsibility in each case will ultimately depend on the evidence collected by police and the findings of the legal process.
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