Punjab Bandh LIVE: Punjab shut from 6 am to 5 pm over Parvinder Jhota murder; family seeks justice

Oct 15, 2026 09:03 AM

Private schools shut in several districts

A Punjab Bandh is being observed today (October 15) in protest against the murder of anti-drug activist Jhota in Mansa. The shutdown will remain in force from 6 am to 5 pm. Only emergency services such as hospitals, medical stores, fire brigade and ambulances have been exempted.

Private schools and colleges are closed in Ludhiana, Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Bathinda, Mansa and Jalandhar. Government schools, however, remain open.

In Bathinda, members of the Kisan organisation Sidhupur blocked the Bathinda-Chandigarh highway. Markets are also shut.

Oct 15, 2026 08:58 AM

Farmer organisation blocks Chandigarh highway in Bathinda

Oct 15, 2026 08:29 AM

Mansa remains completely shut

A Punjab bandh has been called today to protest the murder of Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa. The city of Mansa remains completely shut. Despite heavy rainfall, the shutdown continues across the city, while protesters are holding a peaceful sit-in and demonstration.

Oct 15, 2026 08:15 AM

PRTC employees to hold gate rallies

A meeting of state leaders of the Punjab Roadways, PUNBUS and PRTC Contract Workers Union Punjab (25/11) was held. Union state leader Resham Singh Gill said the government has failed to deliver justice to employees and the youth. Meanwhile, Harkesh Kumar Vicky strongly condemned the broad-daylight murder of Jhota.

The union has appealed to employees that during the Punjab Bandh on October 15, if anyone asks them to stop the buses, they should stop them. The leaders said that if the management forces buses to run, it will be responsible for any resulting losses.

Oct 15, 2026 08:13 AM

Schools open in Mohali

Oct 15, 2026 07:49 AM

Holiday declared in these Ludhiana schools

In Ludhiana, the following schools will remain closed: Sacred Heart Convent (Sarabha Nagar), Sacred Heart (Bhai Randhir Singh Nagar), BCM Arya (Shastri Nagar), Manav Rachna School, all DAV schools, Tagore School, Drishti School, GNIPS, BVM Group of Schools, Sacred Heart schools under the Jalandhar Diocese, Lakewood School, Jeevan Model School and Clay School.

Oct 15, 2026 07:26 AM

Punjab Bandh call by Sarwan Singh Pandher

• Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher has called for a Punjab Bandh over rising drug menace, the drug mafia’s growing audacity and recent incidents.
• The bandh is led by the Parvinder Singh Jhota Murder justice committee, Kisan-Mazdoor Morcha and various social, labour and farmer organisations.
• Pandher said drugs are claiming young lives and the problem has reached every household.
• He said Jhota’s murder is “neither the first nor the last” such case, and warned the situation could worsen if society doesn’t unite now.
• He targeted the ruling government, saying it must be forced to take strict steps to make Punjab drug-free.
• Traders, transporters, shopkeepers, street vendors, school and college managements, farmers, labourers, milk vendors and youth have been urged to support the bandh.
• He clarified the bandh should be peaceful and voluntary, with no coercion or bullying.
• Protesters were asked not to be provoked, as anti-social and mischievous elements may try to discredit the movement and disturb peace.
• Everyone has been urged to protest in a disciplined manner to keep Punjab peaceful.

Oct 15, 2026 07:25 AM

What has happened so far in the Jhota murder case?

• Jhota shot dead: On October 13 in Mansa, Parvinder Singh Jhota, who ran a campaign against drugs, was allegedly questioning a medical store operator about the sale of intoxicant drugs. A shot was fired during the argument. Jhota died and four others were injured. The incident was recorded during a Facebook Live.
• The family and supporters protested at a hospital and a chowk in Mansa, demanding strict action against the accused. Initial talks between the police and the family did not result in an agreement.
• Police arrested medical store operator Ashwani Kumar from Salasar in Rajasthan. Police also said that a person who allegedly helped the accused flee had been arrested earlier.
• The administration demolished the accused’s house and medical shop with a bulldozer. No formal reason was given, but the structures were described as illegal constructions.
• As soon as the bulldozer was run on the shop, a crowd gathered there. They entered the store, vandalised it heavily and then set it on fire.

Oct 15, 2026 07:22 AM

All toll plazas in Punjab to be free today

Toll Plaza Workers Union Punjab state president Darshan Singh Laddi said that Parwinder Singh Jhota, a “great warrior of Punjab” who was fighting against drugs, has fallen victim to drug peddlers. In protest, leaders who have Punjab’s interest at heart have called a Punjab Bandh on October 15.

In view of the bandh, the union has also decided to support it. The union has decided that all toll plazas across Punjab will be made free for passing vehicles from 8 am, for an indefinite period.

He said all toll plaza employees will stage a sit-in (dharna) at the toll plazas in protest. On this occasion, he appealed to all farmers, labourers, employees, pensioners and traders across the state to gather at the toll plazas to make Punjab drug-free, so that the younger generation can be pulled out of the grip of drugs.

Oct 15, 2026 07:21 AM

Schools, gyms shut in Jalandhar

Gyms and private schools in Jalandhar have been kept closed in protest against the murder of anti-drug activist Parwinder Jhota in Mansa. The BSF school management has informed parents through a message.

Oct 15, 2026 07:10 AM

What is open and close?

Oct 15, 2026 07:09 AM

Oct 15, 2026 07:08 AM

Oct 15, 2026 07:07 AM

Appeal for peaceful protest

• Jhota’s father has appealed to people from all sections of society to support the bandh and stand with the family in its fight for justice.
• The family has alleged police involvement in Jhota’s murder and accused officials of negligence during and after the incident.
• The family has demanded the resignations of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Punjab DGP.
• The family has called for a CBI investigation into the killing and compensation for those injured in the incident.
• The family has expressed anger over the alleged delay of nearly 30 hours in registering the FIR.
• The Morcha has claimed that police failed to reach the spot despite repeated calls from Jhota.
• The family has demanded the dismissal of the SHO, SSP and DSP concerned .
• The bandh has received backing from the SGPC, Shiromani Akali Dal, farmer unions, BJP and the Congress.
• Traders’ bodies, shopkeepers, universities and colleges have been urged to support the shutdown.
• Organisers have urged people to maintain peace, cooperate with the bandh and ensure emergency services remain unaffected.
• Jhota’s father has said the family will continue its struggle until justice is delivered.