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.
07:26 AM, Oct 15 2026
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.
07:25 AM, Oct 15 2026
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.
07:22 AM, Oct 15 2026
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.
07:21 AM, Oct 15 2026
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.
07:10 AM, Oct 15 2026
What is open and close?
07:09 AM, Oct 15 2026
07:08 AM, Oct 15 2026
07:07 AM, Oct 15 2026
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.
Punjab Bandh LIVE: 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.
Allegations against police
Jhota’s supporters allege that he called several police officers, including senior ones, before the confrontation, but no one reached the spot in time. The Morcha is demanding the resignation of the DSP concerned and of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who also holds the Home portfolio.
Question over phone call
Supporters also point out that Ashwani was on the phone during the argument and ask who was on the other end and who backed him. The identity of the caller has not been established and the demand is for a probe into any possible links or protection.
Cremation withheld
Jhota’s body remains in the mortuary. His family has not cremated it as the protest continues.
