MANSA: The killing of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa has triggered widespread outrage, with the Punjab administration demolishing unauthorised portions of the alleged killer’s house while an angry mob vandalised and set his medical shop ablaze.
Jhota was shot dead on Tuesday while confronting chemist Ashwani Kumar over the alleged sale of addictive drugs from his medical store. The confrontation was being broadcast live on Facebook when Kumar allegedly pulled out a firearm and opened fire. Jhota succumbed to his injuries, while his associate was also wounded.
Kumar, the prime accused, was arrested after fleeing Punjab. Police also arrested an associate accused of helping him escape. Authorities subsequently deployed heavy police force as bulldozers demolished parts of Kumar’s residence and shop, citing unauthorised construction. Protesters later took over the demolition of the shop and torched it.
The incident has intensified the debate over “bulldozer justice” and Punjab’s handling of the drug menace..