Mansa, Punjab | October 21, 2026: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has formally taken over the investigation into the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Punjab’s Mansa district, registering a fresh First Information Report (FIR) and initiating a detailed probe into the case.
A CBI team led by a senior Deputy Inspector General (DIG)-rank officer has reached Mansa to examine the available evidence, review police records and investigate the circumstances surrounding Jhota’s killing. The agency is also bringing in forensic experts, drug control officials and other specialists to assist with the investigation.
According to reports, the CBI team visited Mansa Police Station to take possession of the relevant case documents. A post-mortem examination is expected to be conducted by a team of doctors at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, while a magistrate-led inquiry is also planned.
Jhota Was Shot Dead During Confrontation Over Drugs
Parvinder Singh Jhota, known for his campaign against drug abuse and the alleged illegal sale of addictive substances, was shot dead on October 13 inside a medical store in Mansa. The incident reportedly occurred during a confrontation with the store owner, Ashwani Kumar, whom Jhota had accused of selling drugs.
The killing sparked public outrage and renewed demands for a thorough and independent investigation. Jhota’s family sought a CBI probe, expressing concerns about the need to establish the complete circumstances of the incident and determine whether anyone else was involved.
The accused was taken into custody in Rajasthan following the incident.
CBI Probe Follows Assurance by Amit Shah
The transfer of the case to the central agency comes after Union Home Minister Amit Shah met Jhota’s family during his visit to Punjab on October 20 and assured them of a CBI investigation.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had announced the transfer of the case, stating that the government was accepting the family’s demand. The decision paved the way for the CBI to register a fresh FIR and begin its investigation.
The agency is expected to examine all relevant evidence and circumstances to establish the sequence of events and determine responsibility in the case.
Drug Menace Remains a Major Concern in Punjab
During his Punjab visit, Shah also met the family of Vikramjit Singh in Gurdaspur, who was allegedly killed after opposing drug trafficking. In Sangrur, he met the family of Gulzar Singh, whose death by suicide has raised concerns over allegations linked to the drug problem in the state.
These cases have drawn renewed attention to the challenges posed by drug abuse and illegal drug sales in Punjab, along with demands for accountability and stronger action against those involved.
With the CBI now handling Jhota’s murder investigation, the focus remains on a comprehensive examination of the evidence and establishing the facts. The findings of the investigation are expected to be crucial in addressing the family’s demand for justice.
