Mansa, October 13, 2026: Punjab anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota, known for publicly campaigning against the alleged illegal sale of intoxicating substances, was shot dead in Mansa on Tuesday morning following a confrontation at a medical store.
Jhota had been actively raising the issue of drug abuse and the alleged misuse or unauthorised sale of certain medicines in the region. His campaigns had attracted considerable attention on social media, where he regularly shared videos and questioned activities that he believed were contributing to Punjab’s drug problem.
According to preliminary information surrounding Tuesday’s incident, Jhota and some of his associates reached a medical store in Mansa and questioned the establishment over the alleged sale of intoxicating substances. A dispute reportedly developed during the interaction.
The confrontation was also being recorded, and video connected with the incident has since surfaced online. The footage is expected to become an important part of the police investigation as officers work to establish exactly what happened before the shooting.
During the confrontation, firing took place and Jhota was seriously injured. He was taken for medical assistance but could not be saved.
Others who were present with him were also reported injured during the incident and were taken for treatment. Their exact medical condition will depend on official hospital updates.
A medical store owner has been accused in connection with the shooting. The allegation, however, remains subject to police investigation and the judicial process. The filing of a complaint or naming of an individual does not by itself establish criminal guilt.
Police reached the scene after receiving information about the incident and began collecting evidence. Investigators are expected to examine CCTV footage, recordings from mobile phones, statements of people present at the scene and other technical material.
A key part of the investigation will be determining what led to the confrontation, whether there had been any earlier dispute between the parties and whether the incident was linked to Jhota’s anti-drug activities.
Jhota had emerged as a prominent local voice on drug-related issues and had repeatedly spoken about what he described as the easy availability of intoxicating substances. His approach had also led to disputes in the past, making the background of Tuesday’s confrontation an important part of the investigation.
News of his death quickly spread across Mansa and other parts of Punjab, with supporters and people associated with anti-drug campaigns expressing concern over the incident.
The killing is also likely to renew debate over the safety of people who publicly raise allegations involving drugs and illegal trade. At the same time, police will have to separate previous disputes and claims from evidence directly connected with Tuesday’s shooting.
The immediate priority for investigators is to reconstruct the complete sequence of events, establish the role of every person present and determine the motive behind the attack.
Further clarity is expected once police record witness statements, examine the available video evidence and issue a detailed account of the investigation.
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