The killing of Sikh social activist and anti-drug campaigner Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa has drawn international attention, with US Congressman Thomas R Suozzi writing to Indian Ambassador to the United States Vinay Mohan Kwatra to express concern and seek transparency in the ongoing investigation.
 

In his official letter, Suozzi highlighted Jhota’s contribution to raising awareness about substance abuse and supporting affected families in Punjab. He also sought updates on the investigation, emphasising the need for accountability and justice.
 

“Jhota’s work uplifted countless Punjabi families, and many of my constituents have spoken of his life-changing efforts to raise awareness and support those affected by substance abuse,” Suozzi wrote.
 

Congressman Seeks Transparent Investigation
 

The US lawmaker urged the authorities to ensure that the circumstances surrounding Jhota’s death were examined transparently. He said the investigation should not discourage people who dedicate their lives to fighting addiction.
 

“I respectfully hope that the circumstances surrounding his death are examined with the utmost transparency, so that no chilling effect is cast over those who dedicate their lives to combating addiction,” the letter stated.
 

Suozzi also requested information about the status of the investigation to help ensure accountability and justice.
 

The development was shared by Pritpal Singh, founder of the American Sikh Caucus Committee, who publicly thanked Suozzi for raising the issue and seeking answers from the Government of India.
 

Jhota Shot Dead During Confrontation in Mansa
 

Jhota was shot dead in broad daylight on Tuesday morning following a confrontation with local chemist Ashwani Kumar over the alleged illegal sale of habit-forming pharmaceutical drugs to an elderly person struggling with addiction.
 

According to the account provided, Jhota was broadcasting live on Facebook during the confrontation and demanding that the chemist stop selling addictive medicines.
 

During the ensuing argument, Kumar allegedly took out his licensed firearm and opened fire. Jhota sustained fatal injuries, while a bystander was also injured.
 

The incident has sparked concern over the alleged illegal sale of addictive medicines and the risks faced by people campaigning against substance abuse.
 

Punjab’s Substance Abuse Crisis Highlighted
 

In his letter, Suozzi referred to the scale of substance dependency in Punjab. Citing official data, he noted that nearly 2.8 per cent of the state’s population—approximately 9.5 lakh people—struggle with substance dependency, including an estimated 2.3 lakh heroin users.
 

The figures, he indicated, underscored the importance of addressing addiction and supporting efforts to prevent substance abuse.
 

Jhota had been known for his campaign against drug abuse and his efforts to raise awareness about the impact of addiction on individuals and families.
 

Dr Swaiman Singh Calls for Stricter Enforcement
 

Meanwhile, Dr Swaiman Singh, in a Facebook post, highlighted concerns about the alleged unchecked sale of pharmaceutical drugs in Punjab and called for stronger regulation and enforcement.
 

“You may not agree with the way he fought but almost everyone in Punjab knows one hard truth: the illegal sale of pharmaceutical drugs is out of control,” he wrote.
 

He urged doctors, pharmacists and the wider medical community to take a firm stand against the unchecked sale of medicines, including benzodiazepines such as alprazolam, clonazepam, nitrazepam and diazepam, opioid analgesics such as tramadol, and pregabalin and similar drugs.
 

Dr Swaiman Singh also alleged that large quantities of such medicines continued to flow from Baddi and other parts of Himachal Pradesh into Punjab.
 

He called for stronger regulations, stricter enforcement and greater accountability among chemists, doctors and regulatory authorities.
 

International Attention on Anti-Drug Activist’s Killing
 

Suozzi’s intervention has brought the killing of Jhota to the attention of US political leadership, with the Congressman seeking transparency in the investigation and assurances that those working against addiction are not deterred by violence.
 

The request for updates on the probe comes amid wider concerns over substance abuse in Punjab and allegations of illegal pharmaceutical drug sales.
 

The investigation into Jhota’s killing remains a key focus as calls grow for accountability and stronger action against the illegal supply of addictive medicines.