Mansa, Oct 14 Punjab Congress president Pargat Singh on Wednesday said his party stands firmly with the family of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota, who was shot dead by a medical store owner in Mansa, and will raise its voice at every level to ensure justice for him.
Addressing a group of protesters here, Singh said that the drug trade in Punjab poses a serious challenge to the future of the state’s younger generation.
“Preventing drug trafficking, identifying the networks involved in this trade, and taking strict action against those responsible are among the government’s primary responsibilities,” Singh said.
The Jalandhar Cantt MLA said the murder of Jhota must be investigated impartially and justice must be ensured for the victim’s family.
The investigation should not be restricted to just one aspect of the case; instead, all related facts must be thoroughly examined, and appropriate action be taken in accordance with the law, Singh emphasised.
“Mere claims are not enough to protect Punjab’s youth from drugs; tangible results must be visible on the ground. The government must prevent the supply of drugs and take action against those involved in this trade,” he said.
The Congress will continue to raise its voice to secure justice for the victim’s family and to make Punjab drug-free, Singh added.
Jhota, known for raising his voice against drug abuse, was fatally shot in broad daylight inside a medical store at a busy marketplace on Tuesday.
Ashwini Kumar, the medical store owner, opened fire on Jhota and his companions, allegedly after they questioned him for selling addictive drugs to an elderly man. The incident took place while the activist was hosting a Facebook Live.
Kumar has been taken into custody from Salasar in Rajasthan, police said.
The incident has left the town simmering with tension as the activist’s supporters vandalised the medical store, while the authorities razed a portion of the accused’s house.
The murder drew widespread condemnation from the opposition leaders, who criticised the AAP government for a “breakdown” in law and order, and the “Jungle Raj” prevailing in the state.
They also said that Jhota’s killing raised serious questions about the safety of those who raise their voice against the drug menace in Punjab.
(PTI News)
