India News Live Updates, 21 October 2026: Rajasthan boat tragedy during Durga idol immersion, 4 youths feared drowned

Parvinder Singh Jhota was shot dead at a medical store in Mansa. (Source: File)

The CBI has registered a case and taken over the investigation into the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Punjab’s Mansa, officials said on Wednesday. Jhota was shot dead inside a medical store on October 13 after allegedly confronting its owner over the sale of drugs. Police arrested the accused, Ashwani Kumar, in Rajasthan. Jhota’s family demanded a central probe, nudging the decision to hand the case over to the CBI. His post-mortem and cremation remain pending, with the family and supporters refusing to allow the last rites until justice is delivered.

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Congress sit-in over Ritu Barala assault enters 3rd day in Jaipur

Congress leaders, including Govind Singh Dotasra and Tikaram Jully, continued their sit-in at the Jaipur Police Commissionerate for the third day, demanding a zero FIR over the assault on NSUI leader Ritu Barala by Delhi Police personnel. Police said Barala had already filed a complaint in Delhi, where the matter was under investigation. The BJP accused Congress of staging a political drama, while former chief minister Ashok Gehlot criticised the state government for refusing to register the FIR.