Parvinder Jhota killing: Who was accused Ashwani on call with before shooting dead anti-drug activist ?
PTC News Desk: Chemist Ashwani Kumar, accused of shooting dead anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota, made five phone calls while Jhota and others were confronting him at his shop in Mansa, police said. Four calls were made to his son and one to his paternal uncle.
The calls can be seen in a 5-minute-and-38-second Facebook Live video of the confrontation and shooting. Police said all five were regular mobile phone calls. They are also investigating whether Ashwani made or received any WhatsApp calls or messages during the incident but have not shared further details.
According to police, Ashwani’s son was taking a bath and did not answer the first three calls. He answered the fourth call. His paternal uncle picked up the first call. Police said Ashwani had contacted both family members for help. Their names have been withheld for security reasons.
Parvinder Singh, 45, popularly known as Parvinder Jhota, was shot dead at the chemist shop in Mansa on Tuesday morning. He was livestreaming a confrontation with the shop owner over the alleged sale of drugs to an elderly man.
The killing triggered widespread anger in Mansa. Jhota’s supporters demolished part of Ashwani’s medical store and set it on fire after a JCB machine belonging to the administration had begun demolishing the structure.
Punjab Bandh
Punjab is observing a bandh today, from 6 am to 5 pm, in protest against the killing of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota. He was shot dead at a chemist shop in Mansa on Tuesday morning. The call was given by the Insaaf Morcha, a joint action committee of various organisations formed after Jhota’s death. The Morcha and Jhota’s father have appealed for a peaceful shutdown and urged the public to support it in the demand for justice.
The incident
Jhota (45) was livestreaming on Facebook when he confronted chemist shop owner Ashwani, reportedly over the alleged sale of drugs. He said he had received a tip-off about the sale. A doctor at Mansa Civil Hospital said one bullet pierced Jhota’s liver, causing his death. Preliminary indications suggest a licensed weapon was used.
The two had a history of confrontation over alleged drug sales. The police had registered a case against Ashwani on Jhota’s complaint.
- PTC NEWS
