Mansa, October 21, 2026: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has formally taken over the investigation into the murder of Punjab anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota, who was shot dead inside a medical store in Mansa on October 13. A CBI team reached the district on Wednesday and collected the case records from Punjab Police.
The transfer follows mounting pressure from Jhota’s family and supporters, who had demanded a central investigation into the killing amid concerns about the circumstances surrounding his death.
CBI Team Reaches Mansa
A CBI team arrived in Mansa to begin examining the case and took possession of the investigation records from the local police.
Mansa Police officials have said they will cooperate with the central agency as it reviews the evidence and reconstructs the events leading to Jhota’s murder.
Jhota Was Shot Inside a Medical Store
Jhota, 42, was shot dead on October 13 inside a medical store in Mansa.
According to reports, the incident occurred while he was confronting the store owner during a Facebook livestream over the alleged sale of addictive substances. Investigators will examine the circumstances of the confrontation and establish the sequence of events that led to the shooting.
Main Accused Arrested in Rajasthan
Police had earlier arrested medical store owner Ashwani Kumar in Rajasthan in connection with the murder.
The CBI is expected to examine the evidence collected by Punjab Police and investigate whether other individuals were involved in planning, facilitating or carrying out the killing. The agency will also seek to establish the motive behind the crime and whether it was connected to Jhota’s anti-drug activities.
Family Had Demanded a CBI Investigation
Jhota’s family and supporters had repeatedly demanded that the case be transferred to the CBI, seeking a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
According to reports, the family had withheld consent for his post-mortem and cremation until its demand for a central probe was accepted. The protest brought renewed attention to concerns over the safety of people campaigning against alleged drug-related activities in Punjab.
Punjab Government Agrees to Transfer the Case
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced on October 20 that the state government would hand over the murder investigation to the CBI.
The decision came amid growing public pressure and shortly before Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit to Punjab. The transfer was intended to address the family’s demand for an independent investigation by the central agency.
Amit Shah Meets Jhota’s Family
During his Punjab visit, Union Home Minister Amit Shah met Jhota’s family and welcomed the decision to transfer the case to the CBI.
Shah also criticised the Punjab government over the state’s drug problem and called for central investigations into other deaths allegedly linked to people who had spoken out against drug activity.
The remarks added a political dimension to the case, which has become a focal point in the wider debate over drug trafficking and enforcement in Punjab.
Post-Mortem and Cremation Remain Pending
Despite the announcement of the CBI investigation, Jhota’s post-mortem and cremation remained pending at the time of the latest reports.
His family has continued to demand justice and a comprehensive investigation into what it believes could be a wider network linked to the illegal drug trade.
The status of the pending procedures remains an important aspect of the developing case.
CBI to Examine Possible Wider Conspiracy
The central agency is expected to investigate whether the killing was an isolated act or part of a broader conspiracy.
The investigation may include an examination of digital evidence, communications, financial links and the possible involvement of additional individuals. These lines of inquiry will help establish the motive and determine whether anyone beyond the arrested accused played a role.
Anti-Drug Activism Under Scrutiny
Jhota was known locally for campaigning against the alleged illegal sale of addictive substances through medical stores.
His killing triggered protests and intensified public debate about Punjab’s drug problem and the risks faced by activists who challenge suspected narcotics networks.
The case has also raised questions about the protection of individuals who publicly expose alleged illegal activities.
Investigation Enters a New Phase
With the CBI taking over, the investigation has entered a new phase. The agency will review the existing evidence, pursue additional leads and seek to establish the motive behind Jhota’s murder.
Its findings will be closely watched by the victim’s family and supporters, as well as by those concerned about drug-related crime in Punjab. The investigation must establish the facts and determine responsibility through the legal process.
Source: The Indian Express, Hindustan Times, The New Indian Express
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