Punjab Newsline | Mansa
Parvinder Singh Jhota, who had been leading an anti-drug campaign in Punjab’s Mansa district, was shot dead on Tuesday morning after an alleged confrontation with a medical store owner. The accused, identified as Ashwani Kumar, allegedly opened fire at Jhota at close range. One of Jhotta’s associates was seriously injured and is reported to be in critical condition.
According to preliminary information, Jhota had visited the medical store and questioned Kumar about who had purchased drugs from the shop that morning and who had sold them. An argument reportedly broke out between the two, following which the shop owner allegedly shot Jhota. The accused is said to have shut the shop and fled the scene.
Police personnel rushed to the spot after receiving information about the incident. Meanwhile, Jhota’s supporters began gathering at his residence.
Facebook Live Captures Heated Exchange Before Shooting
A video of the incident has surfaced, reportedly recorded during Jhota’s Facebook Live broadcast. The footage shows a heated argument between Jhota and the medical store owner before shots are fired.
During the live broadcast, Jhota can be heard questioning the shop owner about the alleged sale of intoxicating substances to an elderly man. He asks the man whether he had purchased the substances from the shop. When the elderly man reportedly confirms it, Jhota asks those present to contact the DSP and demands that the shop’s CCTV footage be shown.
The video also captures Jhotta questioning why the shop owner had allegedly taken out a pistol. During the confrontation, Jhota can be heard challenging the shop owner to fire if he intended to do so, while repeatedly asking him about the alleged sale.
As the argument continues, a crowd gathers outside the shop. Jhota asks people to maintain their distance, saying that the shop owner has a pistol. After approximately four minutes and 15 seconds of heated exchanges, the shop owner is allegedly seen opening fire. The mobile phone subsequently falls to the ground, ending the visible recording.
The circumstances leading to the shooting are being investigated.
Jhota Had Been Running Anti-Drug Campaign for Years
Jhota had been active in the campaign against drug abuse and the alleged illegal sale of intoxicating substances in Mansa and surrounding areas. He had confronted people suspected of selling drugs and had previously been involved in several disputes over the issue.
His campaign had also gained attention on social media, where videos of his confrontations with suspected sellers circulated widely. According to reports, several village panchayats had passed resolutions against drug abuse following his efforts.
Previous Controversy Involving Medical Store Owner
Jhota came into the spotlight in 2023 for his campaign against the alleged illegal sale of intoxicating substances. He had accused certain medical stores in and around Mansa of selling restricted capsules, claiming that such substances were harming young people.
On July 12, 2023, a dispute reportedly broke out between Jhota and his supporters and medical store owner Ashwani Kumar. Reports about the incident stated that Kumar was made to wear a garland of shoes and paraded through the market. A video of the incident subsequently circulated on social media.
Jhota’s activities and his arrest following the controversy sparked a wider debate in Punjab over drug abuse, police action and individuals taking the law into their own hands.
The latest shooting has once again brought attention to the contentious campaign against drug trafficking and the disputes surrounding allegations of illegal drug sales. Further details about the police investigation and the injured associate’s condition are awaited.
