Anti-Drug Activist Parvinder Singh Jhota Shot Dead in Punjab

In a tragic incident on Tuesday, Parvinder Singh Jhota, an anti-drug activist, was shot dead by a medical store owner in Mansa, Punjab. The confrontation occurred after Jhota accused the shopkeeper of selling illegal drugs, which he highlighted during a live broadcast on his Facebook account. The video captured a heated exchange between Jhota and the shop owner, who was armed with a pistol.

Jhota, who had gained a following of over 24,000 on social media, was known for his efforts to expose the illegal sale of narcotics at chemist shops. During the live session, he was seen questioning the shopkeeper about drug sales, insisting that an elderly man present had purchased drugs from the store. The argument escalated, with Jhota urging the shopkeeper to show CCTV footage as evidence.

The confrontation lasted approximately four minutes before the shop owner opened fire, fatally wounding Jhota. The live stream abruptly ended when Jhota's phone fell to the ground, capturing the shocking moment. Following the incident, the shop owner fled the scene and is currently at large.

Jhota had been actively campaigning against drug abuse in Mansa and surrounding regions for several years, drawing attention to the illegal sale of intoxicating substances. His activism had previously led to controversies, including a dispute with a medical store owner in July 2023, which resulted in police action against him and his associates. Jhota was arrested on charges including assault and rioting but was released two months later.

This latest incident has reignited discussions about the rampant drug abuse and illegal sales of narcotics in Punjab, particularly as the state approaches elections. The killing of Jhota underscores the dangers faced by activists working to combat drug-related issues in the region, prompting calls for increased protection and support for those advocating against substance abuse.