News Desk: Anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh, popularly known as Jhota, was allegedly shot dead by a medical store owner in Punjab’s Mansa district on Tuesday following a confrontation over the alleged sale of addictive drugs. Videos circulating on social media appear to capture the argument between Jhota and the shop owner moments before the shooting.
According to police, the incident took place at a medical store in a busy market in Mansa. Jhota and his companions had reportedly questioned the owner over the alleged sale of certain addictive medicines to a man. Jhota was known for speaking out against the illegal sale of intoxicating substances at some chemist shops.
Video captures heated exchange before shooting
A video lasting around five minutes and 49 seconds shows Jhota recording the confrontation on his mobile phone. During the argument, he can be heard alleging that the shop owner had taken out a pistol.
“Maar, maar, tun saade fire maar” (Open fire at us), Jhota reportedly tells the shop owner, according to news agency PTI. Gunshots are allegedly heard shortly afterwards, prompting Jhota and his companions to flee the shop.
A second video reportedly shows the medical store owner emerging from the premises with a weapon and chasing Jhota as he attempts to escape. Several people can be seen running for safety after noticing the armed man.
Jhota was later found lying in a nearby shop, covered in blood. He was rushed to a hospital, where doctors declared him dead, police said.
Police launch search for accused
Mansa Senior Superintendent of Police Vaibhav Choudhary said efforts were underway to arrest the accused in connection with the killing. Further investigation is expected to establish the circumstances leading to the confrontation and the shooting.
The incident has drawn attention amid ongoing anti-drug campaigns in Punjab, where the illegal sale and distribution of intoxicating substances remain major public concerns.
AAP leader condemns killing
Aam Aadmi Party leader Baltej Pannu condemned the incident and assured that strict action would be taken against those responsible.
“The murder that took place in Mansa is highly condemnable. Information is coming in that this murder was committed by a person running a chemist shop. No person in Punjab is permitted to take the law into their own hands; strict action will be taken against the guilty,” Pannu said.
The killing has renewed concerns over confrontations linked to allegations of illegal drug sales. Police are continuing their efforts to apprehend the accused, while the investigation will determine the sequence of events and the circumstances surrounding Jhota’s death.
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