Parvinder Jhota murder case: Punjab govt suspends Mansa sub-division DSP Harjinder Singh Gill and drug inspector Naresh Kumar
The action follows Jhota's family's allegation that the two officials were linked to Ashwani Kumar, the accused in the murder case.
PTC News Desk: In a significant development, the Punjab government has suspended Mansa sub-division DSP Harjinder Singh Gill and drug inspector Naresh Kumar in connection with the murder case of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota.
The action follows Jhota's family's allegation that the two officials were linked to Ashwani Kumar, the accused in the murder case. The family had also accused DSP Gill of failing to reach the spot despite Jhota allegedly calling him on the day of the incident. They had demanded action against the officials, and the government has now ordered their suspension.
Earlier in the day, the CBI registered an FIR in anti-drug activist Parvinder Jhota's murder case in Mansa after taking over the investigation. The post-mortem examination will be conducted at PGIMER, Chandigarh, by a team of experts, while a magistrate will conduct the inquest in Chandigarh, officials said.
The development came around eight hours after Shah met the family on Tuesday and assured them that action would be taken. During the meeting, the Union Home Minister reportedly asked the family to wait for 24 hours for action and assured them that the investigation would be completed within 120 days.
The CBI will investigate how banned drugs were allegedly sold openly at chemist shops and whether anyone was involved in allowing the illegal sale of these substances. The agency will also seek custody of Ashwini Kumar, the accused in Parvinder Singh Jhota’s murder, and other accused persons.
A CBI spokesperson said the investigation is being led by a senior DIG-level officer. CBI forensic experts, drug control officials and other specialists are expected to reach Mansa today.
On October 20, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced that the Jhota murder case would be handed over to the CBI. During his visit to Punjab, Union Home Minister Amit Shah also assured the family that the case would be investigated thoroughly.
The CBI team reached Mansa late at night, just six hours after Shah left Punjab.
The family’s protest has entered its ninth day, and Jhota’s body has still not undergone a post-mortem examination. His father, Bhim Singh, said the family would not perform the last rites until their demands were addressed.
On October 13, chemist Ashwini Kumar allegedly shot and killed Parvinder Singh Jhota.