CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken over the probe into the murder of Parvinder Singh Jhota, an activist who had raised his voice against drugs in Mansa, Punjab. After Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured Jhota’s family of a fair and thorough investigation, a CBI team reached Mansa and took custody of documents and other evidence related to the case from the local police. On October 21, 2026, it emerged that the investigating agency had registered an FIR in the case and started an independent probe.
Jhota was killed on October 13. Parvinder Singh Jhota was associated with an anti-drug campaign and was allegedly opposing the sale of intoxicants at medical stores. On October 13, he had a dispute in Mansa with Ashwani Kumar, the owner of a medical store. Jhota died after shots were fired during the incident. At the time of the incident, he was broadcasting live on Facebook. The accused medical store owner was arrested from Rajasthan.
Action intensified after Amit Shah’s assurance. Union Home Minister Amit Shah met Jhota’s family during his Punjab visit and assured them of a thorough investigation into the case. The main demand of the family and protesters was that the murder be investigated by the CBI instead of the Punjab Police. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had also announced that the investigation would be handed over to the CBI. After this, the central agency completed the formal process and began its probe.
The CBI is also expected to examine the drug network and the role of police. The investigation is unlikely to remain limited to the murder incident alone. The agency will also try to find out who or which network was allegedly active behind the sale of banned psychotropic substances. Along with this, the accused’s contacts, activities before the incident, and the possible role of any police officer or employee in the case may also be examined. The investigating agency is in the process of recording statements of family members, inspecting the crime scene, and examining available digital and forensic evidence. Further legal action will be taken on the basis of the findings of the investigation.
After Jhota’s murder, his family and local residents held protests. The family also raised objections over the post-mortem and last rites and pressed for a CBI investigation. The case has triggered wider debate in Punjab over the alleged illegal sale of drugs and the safety of those who speak out against drugs. The CBI investigation is now expected to clarify whether the murder was only the result of a personal dispute or whether links to a larger criminal network or other people also emerge. However, any such possible links can be confirmed only after the investigation is completed and on the basis of evidence.
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