MANSA, PUNJAB: The daylight killing of prominent anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota, also known as Parwinder or Parminder Jhota, has triggered widespread outrage across Punjab, raising serious questions about public safety, illegal drug sales and the protection of people campaigning against drug abuse.
Jhota was shot dead on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, following a confrontation at a medical store in Mansa. The incident was captured during a Facebook livestream, bringing national attention to the shocking circumstances of his death.
The killing has prompted a police manhunt, political criticism, demands for justice from Jhota’s family and condemnation from Sikh religious leadership.
Latest Developments in Parvinder Singh Jhota Murder Case
As of 13 October 2026, several significant developments have emerged.
1. Police Launch Manhunt for Accused Medical Store Owner
Police have identified Ashwani Kumar, a medical store owner in Mansa, as the alleged shooter.
According to reports, Jhota and his companions confronted Kumar over allegations concerning the sale of intoxicating medicines.
An argument reportedly escalated before the shop owner allegedly opened fire.
Mansa Senior Superintendent of Police Vaibhav Chaudhary confirmed that special police teams had been formed to locate and arrest the accused.
Local police officials have reportedly assured the family that those responsible would be apprehended within 24 hours.
At the time of the reports reviewed, Kumar remained at large. An arrest had not been independently confirmed.
2. Family Refuses to Perform Last Rites
In an emotional development, Jhota’s family has reportedly refused to proceed with his cremation until their demands for justice are addressed.
His father announced plans to establish a committee and organise a protest before deciding on the next steps.
The family’s response has intensified public attention on the case.
For many supporters, the killing represents more than the loss of one activist. It has become a symbol of the dangers associated with confronting alleged illegal drug networks.
3. Sri Akal Takht Sahib Jathedar Condemns Killing
The acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, has condemned the killing of Parvinder Singh Jhota.
He also announced his intention to visit the bereaved family and local residents in Mansa.
The response from Sikh religious leadership reflects the seriousness with which the incident is being viewed within the wider Sikh community.
4. Political Parties Question Punjab’s Law and Order
The killing has generated strong reactions from political leaders.
Representatives of the Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal and Bharatiya Janata Party have criticised the Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab government over the state’s law-and-order situation.
Opposition leaders have demanded swift action against those responsible.
The incident has also renewed debate over Punjab’s long-running struggle against drug addiction, illicit drug distribution and organised criminal activity.
What Happened During the Mansa Shooting?
According to initial reports, Parvinder Singh Jhota visited a medical store in Mansa with several associates.
Jhota reportedly questioned the shop owner about allegations that intoxicating medicines were being sold from the premises.
The confrontation was being broadcast on Facebook Live.
During the exchange, the shop owner allegedly produced a firearm and fired multiple shots.
Jhota sustained serious gunshot injuries and was taken to Mansa Civil Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
Mansa Civil Hospital senior medical officer Dr Gurmail Singh reportedly confirmed that Jhota had suffered three bullet injuries, including injuries to his abdomen and thigh. One bullet reportedly damaged his liver.
Other people accompanying Jhota were also injured.
Early reports differ on the precise number of injured companions, with some reporting one seriously injured person and others reporting four people sustaining injuries.
The livestream footage is expected to be important evidence in the police investigation.
Important: Allegations of illegal drug sales remain allegations and have not been established by a court. The circumstances of the shooting remain subject to investigation.
Who Was Parvinder Singh Jhota?
Parvinder Singh Jhota was a well-known anti-drug campaigner from Mansa district in Punjab.
He became recognised for his outspoken activism against drug abuse and the alleged illegal distribution of intoxicating medicines.
Jhota frequently used social media to document confrontations with people he suspected of involvement in illegal drug sales.
His activities attracted considerable attention, particularly among young people concerned about the devastating impact of drugs on Punjab’s communities.
Reports indicate that his campaigns also encouraged village panchayats to pass resolutions opposing drug abuse.
However, his confrontational methods sometimes resulted in disputes and legal controversies.
Despite those controversies, his death has prompted widespread concern about the risks faced by individuals engaged in anti-drug activism.
Previous Dispute Between Jhota and Accused Ashwani Kumar
One significant development concerns a reported confrontation dating back to 2023.
According to The Tribune, Jhota and his supporters allegedly paraded Ashwani Kumar through a Mansa market with a garland of shoes around his neck after accusing him of involvement in illegal drug sales.
Police cases were reportedly registered against both men in connection with that incident.
This history has raised questions about whether a longstanding dispute contributed to the fatal confrontation.
However, investigators have not publicly established a definitive motive, and the earlier incident should not be treated as proof of the motive behind the killing.
Punjab’s Drug Crisis Returns to the Spotlight
The murder has renewed public discussion about Punjab’s struggle with drug addiction and the illegal distribution of controlled substances.
For years, families, social organisations and community campaigners have expressed concerns about the impact of drugs on young people.
The killing of a prominent anti-drug campaigner raises several important questions:
- Are people reporting suspected illegal drug activity adequately protected?
- What safeguards exist for community activists facing threats?
- How effectively are allegations of illegal medicine sales investigated?
- Can citizens safely report suspected drug trafficking without personally confronting those involved?
- What further action is required to protect Punjab’s younger generations?
The responsibility for investigating suspected criminal activity belongs to law enforcement agencies. Community members should be able to raise concerns through safe, lawful channels without risking violence.
What Happens Next in the Investigation?
Police are expected to examine the Facebook livestream, witness accounts, forensic evidence and the history of disputes involving those connected to the incident.
The immediate priorities include locating the accused, establishing the sequence of events, investigating the alleged motive and determining the full circumstances of the shooting.
The family’s demands and any resulting protests may also influence the public response in the coming days.
Further verified developments, including arrests, formal charges and official police statements, will be important to establishing what happened.
A Killing That Has Shaken Punjab
The death of Parvinder Singh Jhota has left many people questioning the safety of those who publicly challenge suspected illegal drug activity.
Regardless of differing opinions about his campaigning methods, his killing deserves a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation.
Punjab’s struggle against drug abuse cannot be separated from the need for public safety, effective policing and accountability under the law.
The central question now is whether the authorities can deliver justice and restore public confidence.
As Jhota’s family and supporters await answers, the case remains a major developing story across Punjab and among Punjabi communities worldwide.
SinghStation will continue following verified developments in the Parvinder Singh Jhota murder investigation.
Editor’s note: This article reflects reporting available on 13 October 2026. Details concerning the number of injured people, the alleged motive and the status of the accused may change as authorities release further information.
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