Diljit Dosanjh Declares Anti-Drug Activist Jhota a Martyr
Punjabi singer Diljit Dosanjh demands justice for slain activist Parvinder Singh Jhota, sparking widespread outrage.
Parvinder Singh Jhota was killed on October 13 in Mansa, Punjab.
Dosanjh and others are calling for a CBI investigation and justice for Jhota's family.
Film actress Neeru Bajwa has postponed her movie 'Thaapi' in response to the incident.
Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh has publicly honored anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota, who was tragically shot dead in Mansa, Punjab, on October 13. Dosanjh referred to Jhota as a martyr and expressed his condolences to the grieving family through a heartfelt Instagram post, emphasizing that the entire Punjab community stands in solidarity with them during this difficult time.
Jhota was known for his vocal opposition to the illegal sale of narcotics, particularly at local chemist shops. His assassination occurred in broad daylight while he was conducting a Facebook Live session inside a medical store, where he confronted the store owner, Ashwani Kumar, about selling addictive substances to an elderly customer. Following the incident, Kumar was apprehended in Rajasthan's Salasar.
Despite the passage of six days since Jhota's death, his family and supporters have refused to proceed with his last rites, insisting on justice first. They have organized protests in Mansa, demanding accountability and a thorough investigation into the circumstances of his murder. A coalition of various organizations and social activists has formed a joint action committee, calling for a CBI inquiry and the resignation of key officials, including Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav.
The impact of Jhota's death has resonated beyond the protests, affecting the local film industry as well. Actress Neeru Bajwa announced that she would be postponing the release of her latest Punjabi film, 'Thaapi', which is a sports drama that premiered on October 16. In her Facebook statement, Bajwa highlighted the importance of standing with Punjab and its people, stressing that cinema should reflect the community's values and struggles.
In a show of support, fellow Punjabi artist Babbu Mann visited the protest site in Mansa, commending Jhota's efforts in the fight against drug abuse. The collective outrage and calls for justice continue to grow, as the community seeks to honor Jhota's legacy and ensure accountability for his untimely death.
