New Delhi 16 October : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday raised serious concerns over the law-and-order situation in Punjab following the killing of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa and said the Ministry of Home Affairs would seek a response from the Punjab government over the incident.
In a public statement, Shah referred to the challenges posed by drug trafficking, gangsterism and organised crime in Punjab. He questioned who would take responsibility for the safety of residents and said recent incidents had raised concerns about the protection of people who speak out against illegal drug activity.
Shah specifically referred to Jhota’s killing in Mansa and a separate incident in Dirba involving Gulzar Singh, who allegedly died after consuming a poisonous substance. The Home Minister said the Union Home Ministry would seek the Punjab government’s response regarding both matters.
Parvinder Singh Jhota had become known for campaigning against drug abuse and the alleged illegal sale of intoxicating substances. He was killed in Mansa on October 13 during a confrontation at a medical shop. Police subsequently launched an investigation and arrested the alleged main accused, Ashwani Kumar, from Salasar in Rajasthan. The allegations against the accused remain subject to investigation and judicial proceedings.
Jhota’s killing triggered widespread protests across Punjab, with his family and various organisations demanding a CBI investigation and accountability from senior officials. His father, Bhim Singh, has also made allegations against the state government and political representatives. Those allegations have not been independently established and remain matters requiring investigation.
The Punjab government has maintained that the killing will be thoroughly investigated and that those found responsible will face strict action. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has also been reviewing the state’s anti-drug campaign and law-and-order situation with senior police and administrative officials.
Shah, meanwhile, called for stronger action against drug networks and organised crime and sought an impartial investigation into allegations of political protection being provided to criminals. His intervention has added a fresh political dimension to a case that has already generated significant public reaction across Punjab.
With the Union Home Ministry now expected to seek the state government’s response, attention will remain focused on the progress of the criminal investigation, the allegations raised by Jhota’s family and the steps taken by the Punjab government to address concerns surrounding drug trafficking and public safety.
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