Chandigarh, Oct 14 Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday vowed the strictest punishment for those involved in the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh alias Jhota, as tensions simmered in Mansa town following the daylight killing that triggered protests, vandalism and demolition of the accused’s house by authorities.
Declaring that Punjab’s hard-earned peace and law and order would not be compromised at any cost, he warned that anyone found involved in a conspiracy behind the murder would also be brought to justice.
Reaffirming the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards drugs, the CM said no drug peddler, regardless of their influence or power, would be spared, as protecting Punjab’s youth from the drug menace remained a top priority.
Mann said, “In Mansa, a deeply unfortunate incident has taken place, and everyone responsible for it will be brought to justice. The Punjab Police will leave no stone unturned in investigating the case, and exemplary punishment will be ensured for the culprits.”
“An unfortunate incident has taken place in Mansa in which social worker Parvinder Singh Jhota has been shot dead. In this matter, I want to make it clear that Punjab Police will leave no stone unturned in ensuring the strictest punishment to culprits,” Mann said in a video message.
“If there is anybody behind any conspiracy in this matter, that will also not be spared,” he said.
“I have directed the Director General of Police to ensure a thorough investigation so that the truth comes out and everyone involved in this crime is identified, he said.
The main accused has already been arrested within 24 hours. If the investigation reveals the involvement of any other individual or organisation in a conspiracy behind this murder, they will also not be spared, he stated.
Expressing condolences to the bereaved family, Mann said, “The death of Jhota is an irreparable loss for his family as well as society. My heartfelt condolences are with the family in this hour of grief. The government will ensure that those responsible for this crime face strict action in accordance with the law.”
“Our government has launched a determined campaign against the sale and supply of all kinds of drugs, whether illegally sold intoxicating medicines or conventional narcotics such as chitta. No leniency will be shown to anyone involved in this crime against humanity, regardless of how influential or powerful they may be, he said.
“The AAP government has a zero tolerance towards those who sell drugs. I want to appeal to people of Punjab to maintain peace,” he said.
Jhota, who was known for raising his voice against drug abuse and the illegal sale of addictive substances at chemist shops, was shot dead in broad daylight in a busy marketplace in Punjab’s Mansa town on Tuesday.
Medical store owner Ashwani Kumar allegedly opened fire on Jhota and his companions after they questioned him for allegedly selling addictive drugs to an elderly man.
Ashwani has been arrested in Rajasthan, police said.
The shooting left the town simmering with tension, with the district authorities in Mansa demolishing a portion of the house belonging to Kumar on Wednesday, Jhota’s supporters vandalising the medical shop and his family refusing to cremate his body in protest.
Police had also arrested an associate of Kumar on Tuesday for allegedly helping him escape.
The killing drew widespread condemnation from opposition leaders, who criticised the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government over the law-and-order situation in Punjab and alleged that “jungle raj” prevailed in the state.
(PTI News)
