'People of Punjab want answers': Shah slams Mann govt over attacks on anti-drug activists

Amit Shah targets Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann over law and order after anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota’s killing in Mansa, says Centre will seek answers from state government

NEW DELHI: Union home minister Amit Shah on Friday targeted the Bhagwant Mann-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government over Punjab’s law and order situation, citing the killing of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa and the death of a father in Dirba who allegedly consumed poison under pressure.Shah said the two incidents had raised serious questions about the safety of Punjab’s people and announced that the Union home ministry would seek responses from the state government on both cases.“Punjab is grappling today with the rising threats of drugs, gangsterism, and organized crime. The biggest question before the Bhagwant Mann government is: ultimately, who will bear the responsibility for the safety of Punjab's people?” Shah said in a post on X.Referring to Jhota, who was shot dead in Mansa on October 13 while confronting a medical store owner over the alleged sale of synthetic drugs, Shah said the activist’s father had levelled serious allegations against the AAP government and its MLA.“The people of Punjab do not want promises—they want answers; not announcements, but results,” Shah said, urging the state government to take decisive action against drug networks and ensure an impartial investigation into any alleged political patronage extended to criminals.

He also flagged the growing threat of organised crime and questioned the protection available to those who speak out against drugs. Shah said the BJP was committed to building a “drug-free, gangster-free, and secure Punjab” if voted to power in the state.

Jhota’s killing brings anti-drug campaigners’ safety into focus

Jhota, 45, was shot dead on October 13 during a confrontation with medical store owner Ashwani Kumar in Mansa. The activist had accused the shop owner of selling synthetic drugs and other prohibited substances.

The confrontation was livestreamed on Facebook, and four other people were injured in the firing.Kumar allegedly opened fire inside the shop before pursuing the injured Jhota into the street and firing again. Jhota was hit by three bullets and later died at Mansa Civil Hospital. Kumar was arrested in Rajasthan’s Salasar on October 14, while police also detained an alleged associate accused of helping him flee.

Jhota had been campaigning against the alleged sale of intoxicating pills and synthetic drugs in Mansa, recording confrontations with medical store owners and sharing videos on social media.His dispute with Kumar dated back to July 2023, when Jhota allegedly put a garland of shoes around the shop owner’s neck during a public confrontation over the alleged sale of synthetic drugs. A case was registered against Jhota, who spent nearly two months in jail before being released on September 11, 2023, after the complainant approached the court to withdraw the complaint. The case against Kumar over the alleged sale of prohibited substances remained pending.Following Jhota’s killing, his father, Bhim Singh, a retired Army serviceman, refused to cremate his son until those responsible were brought to justice. He vowed to continue his son’s fight against drug peddlers.