Punjab anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota shot dead after confronting medical shop owner

An anti-drug activist was shot dead in Punjab's Mansa district after confronting a medical store owner over the alleged sale of addictive drugs. The incident took place during a live broadcast on the activist's Facebook account, which had more than 24,000 followers. According to reports, the activist was questioning the shopkeeper outside his store alongside an elderly man who allegedly claimed to have bought drugs there.

During the confrontation, the argument escalated and the shopkeeper was seen holding a pistol. The activist challenged the shopkeeper, asked for CCTV footage, and urged associates to call the police. After about four minutes of arguing, the shopkeeper allegedly opened fire, killing the activist. The mobile phone fell, ending the live broadcast, and the accused shop owner fled the scene.

The activist was well-known for campaigning against drug abuse and exposing alleged illegal sales at chemist shops. Past activities included a 2023 dispute that led to police cases and a two-month arrest on allegations of assault, trespass, and rioting. The latest incident drew sharp criticism from opposition leaders, who questioned the state's law-and-order situation and the effectiveness of the government's anti-drug campaign.

Not yet reported: The reports do not specify whether formal charges have been filed against the suspect beyond police reports of him being on the run.