21 October 2026 (Navroze Bureau) The Punjab government has handed over the investigation into the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), hours before Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit to the state on October 20, 2026. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced the decision, stating that the government had accepted the demand made by Jhota’s family for an independent investigation.
The decision comes amid growing public anger over Jhota’s killing in Mansa and continuing protests demanding justice for the activist. His family and members of an action committee had been seeking a CBI investigation, arguing that the case required a thorough and impartial inquiry.
CM Bhagwant Mann Announces CBI Investigation
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced the decision in a post on social media platform X. He expressed solidarity with Jhota’s father, Bhim Singh, and the rest of the family, saying the government stood firmly with them in their fight against drugs.
Mann stated that the family’s demand had been accepted and that the murder case was being transferred to the CBI. He also reiterated his government’s commitment to taking strict action against drug traffickers and making Punjab drug-free.
The announcement followed discussions between state government representatives and members of the action committee formed after the killing. A government delegation subsequently visited the protest site and handed over a letter confirming the decision to transfer the investigation.
The CBI probe was one of the principal demands raised by Jhota’s family and supporters, who had been staging protests to seek accountability and justice.
How Was Parvinder Singh Jhota Killed?
Parvinder Singh Jhota was shot dead at a chemist shop in Mansa on October 13, 2026. Reports said he had allegedly confronted the shopkeeper, Ashwani Kumar, over the sale of drugs before the shooting took place.
The incident was reportedly streamed live on Facebook, drawing widespread attention and sparking outrage across Punjab. Four of Jhota’s associates were also injured in the incident.
Police arrested the alleged shooter in Rajasthan following the incident. The case became a major public issue, with supporters demanding strict action against those responsible and a broader investigation into alleged drug trafficking networks.
Jhota was known for raising his voice against the alleged illegal sale of habit-forming pharmaceutical drugs. His killing intensified concerns about the safety of people who speak publicly against drug-related activities.
Family Demanded Independent Investigation
Jhota’s father, Bhim Singh, a former serviceman, had repeatedly demanded that the investigation be transferred to the CBI. The family maintained that an independent inquiry was necessary to establish the full circumstances of the killing and determine whether anyone else was involved.
The action committee supporting the family also called for accountability from the state government and police authorities. Protesters demanded strict action against the accused and raised concerns about the alleged connections between drug traffickers and influential individuals.
The family had refused to consent to a post-mortem examination and had not conducted Jhota’s last rites while pressing for their demands to be accepted, according to reports published on October 20.
The decision to transfer the case to the CBI marked a significant development in the dispute between the authorities and the protesters.
Decision Comes Ahead of Amit Shah’s Visit
The transfer announcement came just hours before Amit Shah’s scheduled visit to Punjab. During his visit on October 20, the Union Home Minister was expected to meet the families of people who had died in separate incidents linked by allegations concerning the state’s drug problem.
Shah’s itinerary included meetings with Jhota’s family in Mansa, the family of Gulzar Singh in Sangrur district and the family of Bikramjit Singh in Gurdaspur.
The meetings came amid growing political debate over drug trafficking, organised crime and the safety of individuals who raise concerns about the illegal drug trade.
The timing of the CBI announcement drew considerable attention because Jhota’s family had indicated that it wanted the matter raised during Shah’s visit if the state government did not agree to its demand.
Protests and Political Reactions
Jhota’s killing triggered protests across Punjab, with social organisations, political groups and local residents demanding justice. A statewide bandh was observed on October 15 in connection with the case and related concerns about drug trafficking.
The incident also intensified the political confrontation between the Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab and the BJP. Opposition leaders questioned the state government’s handling of drug-related crime, while the Punjab government emphasised its commitment to action against traffickers.
During his visit, Shah criticised the state government’s handling of the drug problem and called for accountability in cases involving people who had spoken out against drugs.
Mann’s decision to hand over Jhota’s murder investigation to the CBI was presented by the state government as a response to the family’s demand. The agency’s investigation is expected to examine the circumstances of the killing and any evidence that may establish the involvement of additional individuals.
What Happens Next?
The transfer of the case places the investigation in the hands of the CBI, which will examine the available evidence and pursue further investigative steps in accordance with the law. On October 21, reports indicated that the agency had registered a case and that a CBI team had arrived in Punjab to begin its inquiry. <Cite refs={[“turn753787news17″,”turn753787search0”]}/>
The investigation will be important in establishing the sequence of events, assessing evidence and determining whether anyone beyond the arrested suspect was involved. Any further conclusions will depend on the findings of investigators and the legal process.
For Jhota’s family, the immediate demand was for an independent investigation and accountability for the killing. For the Punjab government, the case has become part of a wider debate over its response to drug trafficking and organised crime.
The CBI investigation will now be closely watched by the family, supporters and residents seeking clarity and justice. Its findings may help establish responsibility in the case and determine the next steps in the legal proceedings.