In brief: Parvinder Singh Jhota, a well-known anti-drug campaigner, was shot dead in Mansa, Punjab, on 13 October 2026. The shooting reportedly happened after he and his companions confronted a medical store owner over the alleged sale of addictive medicines. Four of his companions were injured. According to reports on 14 October, the main accused has been arrested in Rajasthan.
- Jhota was shot dead in Mansa on 13 October 2026.
- It happened during a confrontation at a medical store over the alleged sale of addictive substances.
- Four people with him were injured.
- The confrontation was reportedly captured on a Facebook livestream.
- On 14 October, reports said police arrested the main accused in Rajasthan.
What happened in Mansa?
Parvinder Singh Jhota had spent years speaking out against drug abuse in Punjab, and especially against the illegal sale of intoxicating medicines from chemist shops. On 13 October, he was shot dead in Mansa.
As per The Tribune and Hindustan Times, Jhota and his companions had gone to a medical store to question the owner over the alleged sale of drugs to a customer. The argument turned ugly, and shots were fired. Jhota died, and four others were hurt.
His death has put Punjab’s drug problem back in the headlines. It has also made people ask how safe it is for ordinary citizens to take on suspected drug sellers.
The Facebook Livestream
The case drew attention quickly because the confrontation was reportedly streamed live on Jhota’s Facebook page. The Tribune reported that the video shows him and his companions arguing with the medical store owner before the situation got out of hand and shots were heard.
Still, a video alone does not settle everything. Police and the courts will have to establish what led to the firing and who is criminally responsible.
Jhota was rushed to Mansa Civil Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. The medical superintendent told The Tribune that he had received three bullet injuries. His four companions were also given medical treatment.
#WATCH | Anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota shot dead | Tarn Taran, Punjab: Tarsem Singh, father of Waris Punjab De chief Amritpal Singh, claims that several people of the party, who were planning to head to Mansa today, have been detained and locked up by the Police.
He says, “A Govt which was elected by the people to fight against drugs attempts to crush voices which rise against drugs. Amritpal Singh had said an initiative against drugs but he was jailed under NSA. Parvinder Singh Jhota was killed yesterday was orchestrated by the Govt. He too had raised his voice but false cases were filed against him too. His voice was silenced forever yesterday. I think people of Punjab are rising; they are outraged. This is injustice to the people of Punjab. This Govt is doing drama…There seems to be no government in Punjab. I demand that this Govt should resign. I fear that they might try to finish off the people involved through an encounter and end everything here itself. I appeal to the Police and administration to investigate this in a fair manner and find out the forces behind this…There seems to be no law and order in the state. People are being murdered publicly. No action is being taken against drugs…We were going to Mansa in large numbers but several members of our party were picked up from their houses and locked up in Police stations; several of them were detained. This cannot be tolerated. People of Punjab will not stand this. The end of Punjab Govt is near…
— ANI (@ANI) October 14, 2026
Who was Parvinder Singh Jhota?
Jhota was a familiar face in Mansa and nearby areas for his fight against drugs. He often confronted people he suspected of selling them, and he tried to make villagers more aware of the damage nasha does to families. Reports say his efforts also inspired people in parts of the Malwa region to start their own local campaigns.
Reports wrote about his own struggle with substance abuse and recovery, which, by its account, pushed him towards this work. So for many people, this is not just another crime report. He had become a symbol of what ordinary people can attempt, and what it can cost them.
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Medical Store Owner Held in Rajasthan
The case moved quickly on 14 October. The Times of India reported that Ashwani Kumar, the medical store owner named in the case, was arrested in Salasar, Rajasthan.
This is a major step, but it is only an arrest. Nothing has been proved in court, and the accusations should not be read as a verdict. The police will still have to examine the video, record witness statements, and piece together the sequence of events.
Anger on the ground
Jhota’s killing has left his supporters angry. People have asked why those who stand up against drug peddling are left so exposed. Reports also mention tension in Mansa after the shooting, with protests and unrest near the medical store linked to the accused.
The incident has also revived the larger debate on drugs in Punjab. Addiction hurts the person first, then the family, then the whole community. Tackling it needs police, health services, local administration and community groups working together.
One more point needs saying. Confronting a suspected seller may come from good intentions, but it cannot replace a lawful investigation. Complaints about illegal drug sales should go to the authorities, and anyone accused of a crime must be dealt with under the law.
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What Happens Next?
The police will now look into the motive and the exact chain of events. The video footage, eyewitness accounts, and other evidence will be central to the case. The arrest of the main accused is important, but the courts will finally decide what the facts are.
The killing has also raised an uncomfortable question about how the authorities can protect people running community-level campaigns against drugs, while making sure that every allegation is checked carefully and fairly.
Punjab Bandh Tomorrow on October 15 Over Jhota’s Killing
A Punjab bandh has been called for October 15, 2026, following anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota’s killing in Mansa. Protesters are demanding justice and a CBI probe into the murder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Parvinder Singh Jhota?
He was an anti-drug activist from the Mansa area of Punjab who campaigned against substance abuse and the alleged illegal sale of addictive medicines.
When was he killed?
Media reports say he was shot dead on 13 October 2026.
Why was he shot?
Reports say the firing followed a confrontation at a medical store over the alleged sale of addictive substances. The full circumstances are still under investigation.
Were others injured?
Yes. According to The Tribune, four of his companions were injured.
Has anyone been arrested?
The Times of India reported on 14 October that the main accused, named as Ashwani Kumar, was arrested in Salasar, Rajasthan.
Why has the case drawn so much attention?
His death has raised worries about violence against anti-drug activists and revived the discussion on drug abuse and illegal drug sales in Punjab.
Sources and References
The Tribune — Anti-drug activist Parvinder Jhota shot dead in Punjab’s Mansa; incident streamed live on Facebook
Hindustan Times — Anti-drug activist shot dead in Punjab’s Mansa
The Indian Express — Punjab: Mansa anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota shot dead
The Times of India — Accused in Punjab anti-drug activist’s murder arrested in Rajasthan
Babushahi — Parvinder Jhota Murder: Action Committee Calls for Punjab Bandh on October 15
