PTC News Desk: Parvinder Singh Jhotta, who led an anti-drug task force in Mansa, Punjab, was shot dead by a medical store owner on Tuesday morning, according to preliminary reports. The bullets were fired from close range and reportedly passed through his body.
One of Jhotta’s associates was also seriously injured in the incident. After learning about the murder, a large police force reached the spot. Meanwhile, Jhotta’s supporters began gathering at his residence.
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According to initial information, Jhotta visited the medical store and questioned the owner about who had sold drugs to a person earlier that morning. An argument reportedly broke out over the issue, following which the store owner allegedly shot Jhotta.
After the shooting, the medical store was shut, and the owner reportedly fled the scene.
Jhotta had been actively opposing drug abuse and drug sales in Mansa for a long time. He reportedly tried to stop the sale of drugs and also confronted people allegedly involved in the trade. These efforts had led to several disputes in the past.
At his initiative, several village panchayats had also passed resolutions against drug abuse and trafficking.
A purported video related to the murder has also surfaced showing a confrontation between Jhota and medical owner and the latter flashing his pistol as the argument intensifies. The footage reportedly shows the dispute before the shop owner allegedly shoots Jhotta.
Jhotta had been actively campaigning against drug abuse and the illegal sale of drugs in Mansa for a long time. He not only tried to stop drug sales but also confronted people allegedly involved in the trade. His activities had led to several disputes in the past. At his initiative, several village panchayats had also passed resolutions against drugs.
Who was Parvinder Singh Jhota ?
Parvinder Singh Jhotta came into the spotlight in 2023 for campaigning against the alleged illegal drug trade. Videos of his activities went viral on social media. Following his arrest, the incident sparked a debate in Punjab over drug abuse, police action and people taking the law into their own hands.
Campaign against drugs: Jhotta, who was widely known on social media as “Jhotta”, launched campaigns in Mansa and nearby areas against certain medical stores allegedly selling banned capsules. He claimed that the sale of these medicines was harming young people.
Shopkeeper paraded with a garland of shoes: On July 12, 2023, Jhotta and his supporters reportedly had a dispute with a shopkeeper named Ashwani Kumar over a medical store-related matter. Reports said the shopkeeper was made to wear a garland of shoes and paraded through the market. A video of the incident circulated widely on social media.
Arrested on July 15, 2023: Following the dispute, police registered a case against Jhotta and some of his associates. They faced allegations including assault, trespassing and rioting. Reports also linked him to an earlier case involving allegations of extortion and threats.
Released from jail in September 2023: Jhotta was released from jail in September 2023 after police withdrew action in one case and a court order was received. ABP Sanjha also reported his release on September 11, 2023.
- PTC NEWS
