Parvinder Jhota's Death Sparks Protests and Calls for Justice in Mansa
The fatal shooting of anti-drug activist Parvinder Jhota has ignited protests in Mansa, with demands for accountability from authorities.
Parvinder Jhota was shot dead in Mansa, Punjab, on Tuesday.
Three years prior, he had paraded the alleged shooter, Ashwani Kumar, with shoes around his neck.
Jhota's supporters demand justice and accountability from the Punjab government.
The recent shooting of anti-drug activist Parvinder Jhota in Mansa, Punjab, has led to widespread protests and calls for justice. Jhota was killed on Tuesday while at a drug store, prompting his supporters to gather and voice their outrage against local authorities. They are demanding immediate action and accountability for his death, which they see as part of a larger issue of violence against anti-drug activists in the region.
Jhota, known for his anti-drug activism, had previously made headlines in 2020 when he allegedly paraded Ashwani Kumar, the individual now accused of his murder, through a market in Mansa. Kumar was accused of selling banned substances, and Jhota, along with his supporters, confronted him, leading to a public spectacle where Kumar was adorned with a garland of shoes. This incident resulted in an FIR against both men, highlighting the contentious relationship between activists and those involved in the drug trade.
In July 2023, a video surfaced showing Jhota and his supporters confronting a man selling illegal capsules, which led them to Kumar's shop. After discovering banned drugs, they took Kumar to the police station, where a complaint was filed against him. However, the police also initiated a case against Jhota for allegedly taking the law into his own hands, showcasing the complexities of vigilante justice in the fight against drug abuse.
The recent shooting has drawn significant attention, with Mansa Senior Superintendent of Police Vaibhav Chaudhary describing the incident as tragic. He assured the public that the police are actively pursuing the case and that the accused would be apprehended within 24 hours. The investigation is ongoing to determine the legality of the weapon used in the shooting.
In the aftermath of Jhota's death, his father has vowed not to cremate his son until justice is served. He has called for the dismissal of the Punjab government and appealed to national leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to address the violence against anti-drug activists. As protests continue at Bara Hatta Chowk in Mansa, the community remains vigilant, demanding accountability and safety for those fighting against drug-related crimes.
