Punjab Anti-Drug Activist Parvinder Jhotta Shot Dead, Video of Argument and Firing Emerges

Manasa: Activist Parvinder Singh Jhotta, who raised his voice against drugs in Mansa, Punjab, was shot dead on Tuesday morning. After the incident, an atmosphere of tension was created in the area. A video of the argument and firing related to the incident has also surfaced. Jhotta reportedly used to raise his voice against the sale of drugs in the area. After his murder, the political debate regarding drug trade and law and order in Punjab has intensified.

When was the controversy started at the medical shop?

According to the information received, Parvinder Jhotta had gone to a medical shop. There they interrogated the shop owner about the man who was alleged to have bought drugs from him that very morning. A debate started between both the parties regarding this matter. It is alleged that a person present in the shop opened fire on Jhotta. He died due to gunshot wounds. One of his companions was also seriously injured in the firing. However, all the facts related to the incident can be confirmed only after police investigation.

Was the shop owner absconding after the incident?

It is being said that after the firing the shop owner fled from the spot. On receiving information about the incident, police reached the spot and started investigation. The matter has gained further momentum after the video related to the incident surfaced. Police can investigate the incident on the basis of video and eyewitness statements. An official police statement is awaited regarding the real reason behind the arrest and murder of the accused.

Whom did Raja Warring target?

Former Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring has raised questions on the state government regarding the incident. He targeted the law and order campaign of the government and the anti-drug campaign. Vading alleges that Parvinder Jhotta was raising his voice against drug addiction in Punjab, but the government did not provide adequate support to his efforts.

What questions did Akali Dal raise on law and order?

Shiromani Akali Dal leaders also cornered the Punjab government over the murder. Party leader Bikram Singh Majithia claimed that Jhotta was exposing drug dealers on camera and during this he was targeted. He raised questions regarding the safety of people raising their voice against drugs in the state. The government's response to these allegations is yet to be revealed.

Why was there a debate on the campaign against drugs?

The murder of Parvinder Jhotta has intensified the debate on the ongoing campaigns against drug trade in Punjab and the safety of people who raise the issue publicly. Opposition parties have sought answers from the government regarding the incident. Now it will be important to clarify in the police investigation what caused the dispute to start, who fired the shot and what the reasons were behind the murder. For now, it is important to keep the allegations and political claims made in the case separate from the findings of the investigation.