Punjab bandh: Markets shut, highways blocked over Jhota’s murder

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Mansa murder puts Mann govt under fire, Opposition seeks CBI probe

Chandigarh: Punjab witnessed a statewide bandh on Thursday, following the killing of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa. Markets remained shut in several areas, private schools and colleges closed and farmer unions blocked highways while demanding justice and an impartial investigation.

The shutdown affected Ludhiana, Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Bathinda, Mansa, Jalandhar and other parts of the state. Private schools and colleges remained closed in several districts, while government schools were open but reported low student attendance.

Farmer organisations blocked highways connecting Ludhiana, Bathinda and Mohali with Chandigarh. Police detained several farmer leaders in Jalandhar, Bathinda and Faridkot.

Jhota was shot dead at a chemist shop in Mansa on October 13 following a confrontation over the alleged sale of intoxicating medicines. The shooting was livestreamed on his Facebook page, triggering widespread outrage and protests.

His father, Bhim Singh, refused to accept the body and demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the killing, alleging a conspiracy behind the murder.

The killing intensified the political confrontation in Punjab, with opposition parties questioning the Bhagwant Mann-led government’s campaign against drugs and demanding accountability.

Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal demanded the chief minister’s resignation and a CBI investigation. In a post on X, he expressed solidarity with Jhota’s family and supported the bandh call issued by his father. Badal also questioned the police response, alleging delays that have not been independently established.

The BJP also demanded a CBI probe and Mann’s resignation, accusing the state government of failing to curb the drug menace. BJP leader Ashwani Sharma joined a protest against the government, according to a post on the party’s Punjab unit social media account.

Punjab Congress leaders criticised the government’s anti-drug campaign. Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa questioned its effectiveness, while the state Congress unit expressed solidarity with Jhota’s family.
Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher also criticised the government over the drug problem. He alleged police personnel were involved in the drug trade and challenged the government to arrange independent drug tests for them. These claims have not been independently verified.

Amid mounting criticism, Mansa Senior Superintendent of Police Vaibhav Chaudhary suspended Mansa City-2 Station House Officer Beant Kaur over alleged negligence in handling the case.
The police also recommended an inquiry by the Director General of Police’s office against Deputy Superintendent of Police Harjinder Singh Gill.

The main accused, chemist Ashwani Kumar, was already arrested from Rajasthan. Jhota’s father alleged a conspiracy in his complaint to the police. Investigators had initially indicated that an old personal enmity could be a possible motive. The competing claims have strengthened demands from the family and opposition parties for an impartial probe.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann condemned the killing on Wednesday and said those responsible would face strict action. He described young people as Punjab’s asset and said attempts to disrupt law and order would not be tolerated. Mann said he had directed the police to take firm action and warned that anyone taking the law into their own hands would face legal consequences.

The bandh has renewed scrutiny of the state government’s efforts to tackle drugs, with the opposition demanding accountability and Jhota’s family continuing to seek justice.