Chandigarh, Oct 16 Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday assured a thorough investigation into the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota, saying any conspiracy established during the probe will be exposed, as his family refused to perform the last rites until justice was delivered.
Three days after Jhota was shot dead in Mansa, his body remains in the mortuary of the Civil Hospital. Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said the Centre would seek a response from the Punjab government over Jhota’s killing and the death by suicide of Gulzar Singh last month, who had questioned a minister about drug supply in his locality.
A joint action committee comprising various organisations and social activists formed after Jhota’s murder has demanded a CBI probe, the resignation of Mann and Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav, and the dismissal of the Mansa senior superintendent of police, deputy superintendent of police, station house officer and the drug inspector.
Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj and Takht Sri Damdama Sahib Jathedar Giani Tek Singh met the activist’s family on Friday. Gargajj also accorded the activist the status of a martyr of the Sikh community.
Shiromani Akali Dal leader Harsimrat Kaur Badal and the Congress’ Punjab in-charge Sachin Pilot and state unit chief Pargat Singh also met the bereaved family and assured them of the party’s support in their fight for justice.
Jhota was shot dead on Tuesday by medical store owner Ashwani Kumar after questioning him for allegedly selling addictive drugs to an elderly man. Kumar was arrested in Rajasthan’s Salasar. The killing took place while Jhota was hosting a Facebook Live and has triggered a political slugfest in Punjab, which goes to polls early next year.
Mann, who was in Phillaur for a review meeting under the ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ anti-drug campaign, said, “No individual involved in wrongdoing will be allowed to escape accountability.”
“Every relevant aspect of the incident will be thoroughly investigated, and any conspiracy established during the investigation will be exposed,” he said.
Mann also cautioned against allowing such incidents to weaken the resolve of those working sincerely for the welfare of society.
“The law will take its course, and justice will be ensured, adding that those responsible for the incident will not be spared, and every effort will be made to uncover the truth behind it,” he said.
Bathinda Range Deputy Inspector General of Police Harjeet Singh, who has been overseeing the law-and-order situation and police response in Mansa following Jhota’s murder, said police were regularly coordinating with the joint action committee.
He added that a subcommittee has been formed to monitor elements that might attempt to disturb the peace.
Asked about the last rites, the DIG said further action would depend on the wishes of the family. He said the family has been assured of justice.
Speaking to reporters in Mansa, Gargajj lashed out at the Mann government. “It is their responsibility to curb the drug menace, but this government has completely failed in doing so,” he said.
Gargajj said during Akal Takht’s Miri-Piri Khalsa march that began in July, he met many families in villages across Punjab and highlighted the severity of the impact of drugs.
On Tuesday, the Jathedar had condemned the activist’s killing and described it as a huge loss for the ‘Panth’ and Punjab. He said drug peddlers have become emboldened due to the government’s failure to curb the menace, and they are openly selling drugs and committing murders now.
Gargajj also offered an ‘ardas’ (Sikh prayer) in Jhota’s memory, attended by his father, Bhim Singh, other family members and members of the ‘sangat’.
SAD leader Badal told reporters that entire Punjab stands with the activist’s family in their hour of grief.
“The drug menace has increased during the AAP government’s tenure. Those selling drugs are enjoying the patronage of this government. They are so emboldened that if anyone raises their voice against drugs, they face bullets,” she said, demanding the immediate dismissal of the current government.
Congress leader Pilot said Jhota wanted to eradicate ‘chitta’ and other drugs from Punjab and urged everyone to work towards taking the campaign forward. “That would be a true tribute to him”, Pilot said.
Pilot said Congress would leave no stone unturned to secure justice for Jhota and would take up the issue through a sustained campaign across the state and pursue justice through the courts if necessary.
Pilot said it was time to put an end to the atmosphere of fear prevailing in Punjab, saying no compensation could make up for the loss suffered by Jhota’s father. “People from all religions and sections of society must unite against drugs,” he said.
(PTI News)
