Parvinder Jhota Murder Case: CM Bhagwant Mann Announces CBI Probe After Returning From Paris

Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has taken a big decision in the case of the murder of activist Parvinder Singh Jhota who raised his voice against drugs. On Tuesday, October 20, the Chief Minister announced the handover of the investigation of the murder case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The family had been demanding a central agency investigation for a long time. The Chief Minister said that the government stands with Jhota's family and will not back down from the fight to make Punjab drug-free. 

What did Bhagwant Mann say about CBI investigation?

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann posted on social media platform He also reiterated his commitment to take strict action against drug smugglers. There were continuous protests in Punjab regarding the Jhota murder case. The family and supporters said that the case should be investigated impartially and the possibility of some major conspiracy behind the murder should also be investigated. Opposition parties had also raised the demand for CBI investigation in this matter. 

How was Parvinder Jhota murdered on 13 October?

Parvinder Singh Jhota was an activist who raised his voice against drug abuse in Mansa, Punjab. He reportedly protested against the illegal sale of drugs at medical stores and also shared videos on the issue on social media.

According to reports, on October 13, he had an argument with the shop owner Ashwani Kumar at a medical store in Mansa. Jhota was reportedly asking about a person who had bought drugs from the shop. As the dispute escalated, firing took place, in which Jhota died. The police had arrested the accused shopkeeper from Salasar in Rajasthan. 

Why did the family refuse to perform the last rites?

After the murder of Parvinder Jhota, his family and supporters started protesting demanding a CBI inquiry. The family said that the last rites would not be performed until their demands were met. Continuous protests were also being held in Mansa on this issue. The family and protesters also raised demands for an impartial investigation into the case as well as action against the responsible officials. The government had formed a committee of three women IAS officers to talk to the family and supporters, but initial talks failed to resolve the dispute. 

Why was the decision important before Amit Shah's Punjab tour?

Before Union Home Minister Amit Shah's visit to Punjab on October 20, the Jhota murder case had come into the centre of political discussion. Shah had a programme to meet Jhota's family in Mansa. Earlier, the family had met him and asked for a CBI investigation. Opposition parties including BJP and Shiromani Akali Dal had also raised questions on the state government regarding the matter. In such a situation, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's announcement of CBI investigation is being seen as accepting the main demand of the family. Now the further steps related to the investigation of the central agency in this matter will be monitored.