CBI team to reach Mansa on Wednesday to probe anti-drug activist's murder: Shah
Neeraj Bali
Chandigarh, Oct 20 (UNI) union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday said a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) team would reach Punjab's Mansa district by noon on Wednesday to investigate the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota, as he met bereaved families in the state and accused the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government of failing to curb drug trafficking.
Shah gave the assurance during a meeting with Jhota's father, Bhim Singh, and other family members in Mansa. Former Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar said the CBI team would record statements of the victim's relatives and examine information about individuals suspected of involvement in the killing. "A CBI team will reach Mansa by 12 noon on Wednesday, record statements of the family members and begin investigating the case," Jakhar said, citing Shah's assurance to the family.
The announcement came shortly after Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann ordered a CBI investigation into Jhota's murder, which has triggered widespread protests by farmer unions, anti-drug campaigners and civil society organisations. Earlier, Shah visited Gurdaspur and met the family of Vikramjit Singh, who was allegedly murdered for opposing drug trafficking. During the approximately 15-minute meeting, Shah touched the feet of the victim's mother, Surjit Kaur, and assured the family of justice.
In a post on X, Shah launched a sharp attack on the Mann government, alleging that drug traffickers had become increasingly emboldened under AAP rule. "Under the AAP government, Punjab's youth are falling victim to drugs, while those raising their voices against the menace are not safe," Shah said. He reaffirmed the Centre's commitment to eliminating drug trafficking and protecting young people from substance abuse. Shah also visited Sangrur district, where he met the family of Gulzar Singh, who allegedly died by suicide after facing harassment following his questioning of AAP minister Harpal Singh Cheema.
Family members said Shah listened to their grievances for nearly 20 minutes and assured them that justice would be delivered within two to three months. "He assured us that action would be taken against those responsible. We have no faith in the Punjab government and want a CBI investigation," Gulzar's son said. The family alleged that Gulzar had named Cheema among those responsible for his harassment. The allegation has not been independently established.
Relatives said they had postponed Gulzar's final religious rites and would not immerse his ashes until justice was delivered. According to the family, Shah assured them that he would attend the bhog ceremony after justice was secured. Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu, in a post on X, said Shah had personally conveyed his condolences to Jhota's father and assured the family of the Centre's full support.
"The central government will ensure that the family gets justice," Bittu said, referring to Shah's assurance. During his Mansa visit, Shah also met Mohanjit Sheron, who had earlier shown a black flag to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. Meanwhile, the parents of murdered Punjab drug inspector Neha Shorie, who was shot dead at a laboratory in Kharar in 2019, reportedly reached Mansa seeking a meeting with Shah but alleged that police prevented them from meeting the Home Minister.
The union Home Ministry has already sought reports from the Punjab government concerning the three cases, according to the information available. Shah was also scheduled to attend a major Dussehra celebration at Ludhiana's Daresi Ground later in the evening. The visit comes amid mounting political pressure on the Mann government over drug-related violence and allegations that people campaigning against narcotics trafficking are being targeted.
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