16 October 2026 (Navroze Bureau) Punjab witnessed widespread disruption on Thursday, October 15, 2026, as markets, private schools and educational institutions remained closed in several districts during a statewide bandh called over the killing of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa. Protesters blocked roads and highways at multiple locations, affecting traffic and public transport, while emergency services continued to operate.
The shutdown received support from farmer unions, social organisations, traders’ groups, government employee bodies and opposition political parties. The protest was called to demand justice for Jhota, who was shot dead in Mansa on October 13 following a confrontation involving a local chemist. The incident triggered anger among his supporters and renewed demands for action against those allegedly involved in the illegal drug trade.
Markets and Educational Institutions Remain Closed
Several commercial areas across Punjab wore a deserted look as shopkeepers lowered their shutters in response to the bandh call. Markets remained closed in places including Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Hoshiarpur, Ferozepur, Sangrur, Barnala, Moga, Patiala and Mansa.
Private schools and colleges also remained closed in several districts. The extent of the shutdown varied from one location to another, but many commercial establishments and educational institutions suspended their regular activities for the day.
In Jalandhar, key markets and many educational institutions remained shut. Farmer organisations and social groups organised demonstrations, while police intervened at some locations to prevent traffic blockades and maintain public order.
Road Blockades Disrupt Traffic
Road blockades were reported at several places as protesters gathered on highways and internal roads to express their anger over Jhota’s killing. Traffic movement was affected in parts of the Malwa region, with disruptions also reported around Mohali, Kharar and other locations.
The Bathinda-Zirakpur highway near Rampura Phool was among the routes affected by demonstrations. In some areas, police personnel intervened to remove protesters from roads, while checkpoints and security arrangements were put in place to manage the situation.
Public transport services were also disrupted on some routes, leaving passengers facing delays and uncertainty. Despite these disruptions, hospitals, medical shops and other essential emergency services continued functioning.
Police Action and Arrests in the Murder Case
Amid mounting pressure from protesters, Mansa City-2 Station House Officer Inspector Beant Kaur was suspended on administrative grounds on Thursday. Mansa Senior Superintendent of Police Vaibhav Chaudhary confirmed the action, which followed demands for accountability from the local police administration.
Police also reported that all four accused in the murder case had been arrested. The main accused, chemist Ashwani Kumar, and his relative Vipan were produced before a court, which remanded them to seven days of police custody. Ashwani’s wife, Neelam, and another accused, Laddi, were also arrested, according to the police account reported by The Tribune.
The arrests and suspension came as protesters continued to demand stronger action, arguing that the killing had raised serious questions about efforts to tackle the drug problem in the region. These remain allegations and demands raised during the ongoing investigation.
Family Continues to Demand Justice
Jhota’s family and supporters have demanded a thorough investigation into the killing, including a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). His father, Bhim Singh, has appealed to people to maintain peace and communal harmony while continuing to seek justice.
The family’s decision not to conduct the last rites until its demands are addressed has kept the issue at the centre of the agitation in Mansa. Protesters have also called for further accountability within the police administration, saying that the suspension of one officer is not enough.
Meanwhile, the protest committee and various organisations have continued to mobilise support for the family. The agitation has brought together groups with different political and social affiliations around demands for an investigation and action against those responsible.
Punjab Bandh Ends, but Protests Continue
The statewide bandh was observed from 6 am to 5 pm on October 15. Although the shutdown disrupted normal life across several areas, the situation remained largely peaceful overall, according to reports, with some isolated incidents of vandalism and clashes over enforcement of the bandh.
Jhota’s father later appealed to traders in Mansa to reopen their establishments, saying he did not want the protest to cause further financial losses. However, the agitation over the killing and the demands for accountability were continuing.