Punjab Bandh Today: Toll Plazas Made Free After Parvinder Jhota Murder, Schools Shut in Several Cities
Parvinder Singh Jhota murder case: Family seeks CBI probe, CM Bhagwant Mann’s resignation; accused arrested in Rajasthan as protests spread across Punjab
DP, MOHALI, OCTOBER 15
Punjab witnessed protests and shutdowns on Wednesday following the killing of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa on October 13. Protesters made toll plazas free for commuters, blocked highways and staged demonstrations, while several private schools and colleges remained closed in different parts of the state.
The bandh call was given to protest the killing of Jhota, who had campaigned against drug abuse and the alleged illegal sale of intoxicating medicines. Emergency services, including hospitals, medical stores, fire services and ambulances, were exempted from the shutdown.
According to the information available, Jhota was shot dead during a confrontation involving a medical store operator while he was allegedly questioning the sale of intoxicating medicines during a Facebook Live session. Four other people were injured in the firing. The incident was recorded during the live broadcast.
Toll plazas made free, highways blocked as protests spread
The Punjab Toll Plaza Workers’ Union extended support to the bandh and announced free passage for commuters at toll plazas from 8 am. Union state president Darshan Singh Laddi appealed to farmers, labourers, employees, pensioners and traders to join the protests and support the campaign for a drug-free Punjab.
“While fighting against drugs in Punjab, the brave son of the state, Parvinder Singh Jhota, fell victim to drug traffickers,” Laddi said.
In Bathinda, the Sidhupur farmers’ organisation blocked the Bathinda-Chandigarh highway. In Faridkot, police detained farmer leaders, while protests continued in Mansa despite rain. The Kisan Mazdoor Morcha also supported the bandh.
Several private schools and colleges in Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Bathinda, Pathankot, Gurdaspur and Mansa remained closed. Government schools were not declared closed as part of the shutdown. Gyms in Jalandhar also remained shut.
Roadways employees hold protests
The Punjab Roadways, PUNBUS and PRTC Contract Workers’ Union (25/11) announced gate rallies in support of the protest.
State leaders Resham Singh Gill and Harkesh Kumar Vicky criticised the government over what they described as its failure to ensure justice for employees and young people. The union condemned the killing and warned that any disruption arising from attempts to force buses onto the roads would be the responsibility of the management.
Main accused arrested in Rajasthan; shop set on fire
Police arrested Ashwani Kumar, the main accused in the murder case, from Salasar in Rajasthan. Another person allegedly involved in helping him escape had also been arrested, according to the information provided.
Meanwhile, the administration demolished portions of the accused’s house and medical store, citing unauthorised construction. During the demolition, a crowd allegedly vandalised the shop and later set it on fire.
Family refuses to accept body, seeks CBI probe
Jhota’s father, Bhim Singh, and other family members have refused to accept the body and perform the last rites until their demands are met.
The family has sought a CBI investigation into the murder and demanded the resignations of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav. It has also demanded the dismissal and registration of FIRs against Mansa SSP, DSP and SHO.
Other demands include making public the call details of people who allegedly spoke to the medical store operator before the murder, identifying everyone suspected of conspiring in the crime, and providing financial assistance to the four injured persons.
The killing has triggered renewed public anger over drug-related crime and demands for accountability from the Punjab government and police.
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