Parvinder Jhota Murder Case Enters Day 14: Sukhbir Singh Badal Visits Bereaved Family, Demands Stricter Anti-Drug Laws

The ongoing agitation over the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota entered its 14th consecutive day on Monday, marked by high-profile political visits and growing concerns among local business owners. Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Singh Badal visited the deceased activist's residence late Sunday night to meet with the grieving family members. Offering complete support, Badal called for stringent legislation to combat the drug menace and demanded the confiscation of all assets belonging to drug smugglers. Meanwhile, prolonged demonstrations have raised concerns among shopkeepers in Mansa regarding severe commercial disruptions during the festive season. Local traders decided to meet with the Action Committee overseeing the agitation on Monday, requesting the reopening of the main road leading to the central market. Traders Highlight Commercial Losses and Noise Disturbance During a meeting held at the Lakshmi Narayan Temple on Sunday, traders pointed out that the ongoing sit-in demonstration near the Deputy Commissioner's residence has heavily disrupted traffic flow and adversely impacted festive sales. The surrounding business uncertainty has left several shopkeepers hesitant to stock seasonal goods. Furthermore, citing inconvenience caused to patients, the traders demanded that loudspeakers deployed near the local hospital be turned off. Funeral Deadlock Continues as CBI Holds Four Suspects Parvinder Singh Jhota, known for his campaign against illegal drug sales, was shot dead inside a chemist shop in Mansa on October 13. The killing sparked widespread protests, with the Action Committee demanding accountability and a crackdown on drug syndicates. A deadlock over Jhota's final rites persists as the family firmly demands the resignations of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and DGP Gaurav Yadav before conducting the cremation. The body remains kept at the local Civil Hospital mortuary. While a state government committee has assured fulfillment of most other demands, both the victim's family and the Action Committee remain firm on their demand for the resignations. In the ongoing investigation, police have arrested four individuals, including the primary suspect, all of whom are currently in the custody of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).