New Delhi [India], October 15 (ANI): Condemning the killing of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday said the "sternest possible action" will be taken against the perpetrators.
Speaking to the media in the national capital, the Chief Minister called the incident "deeply distressing" and asserted that the probe would uncover the complete truth, warning that conspirators would also be brought within the ambit of the law.
"The incident in Mansa is deeply distressing. Strict action will be taken, and those responsible will not be spared. If anyone else is involved in the conspiracy beyond those directly involved, they too will be brought within the ambit of the law. The sternest possible action will be taken," Mann said.
The Chief Minister also took a swipe at opposition parties, accusing them of politicising the tragic killing.
"As for the opposition, they have no other issues to raise and are merely engaging in the politics of dead bodies. Everything will be brought to light, and the truth will be fully uncovered," he added.
Parvinder Singh Jhota, known for his vocal campaigns against the drug menace in the state, was recently murdered in Punjab's Mansa district.
Meanwhile, shops and commercial establishments remained closed in several markets in Mohali following the statewide shutdown called over Jhota’s murder.
Mohali Deputy Superintendent of Police Harsimran Singh Bal said comprehensive security arrangements had been made under the guidance of Senior Superintendent of Police Varun Sharma to maintain law and order and ensure smooth traffic movement.
He said officers, including SPs, DSPs and SHOs, had been deployed at key locations across the district. Traffic diversions were put in place near Sohana Gurudwara Sahib, where protesters had gathered.
"Under the guidance of the SSP, Varun Sharma, comprehensive arrangements have been put in place. Various officers, including SPs, DSPs, and SHOs, have been deployed at key locations to ensure that traffic continues to flow smoothly. In my jurisdiction, they are protesting near the Sohana Gurudwara Sahib; we have implemented traffic diversions there to keep traffic moving properly,” he said.
Bal estimated that around 1,500 police personnel from Mohali district had been deployed across the district.
In Amritsar, Punjab Roadways General Manager Paramjit Singh said bus services had not been formally halted, but buses were not operating on routes due to the absence of passengers at the bus stand.
"No, we have not halted any services. Since the public is not arriving at the bus stand, and no one is coming to travel, the buses are not going,” he said.
“Our primary duty is to serve the people, and our staff is prepared to do so,” Singh said, adding that drivers and conductors were present with their buses and services would operate if passengers arrived. He said the decision was also aimed at avoiding financial losses to the government.
“Some buses have already been deployed, but due to the lack of passengers, we want to avoid any financial loss for the government. Therefore, drivers and conductors are present with their buses; if passengers arrive, we will certainly operate the buses," he added.
Amritsar Commissioner of Police Harmanbir Singh Gill said the situation was under control and protesters and associations were cooperating with the police.
"Everything is going well... We have not allowed anyone to take the law into their hands, nor will we allow it,” he said.
He said people could continue their routine work and warned that strict action would be taken against anyone attempting to disturb law and order.“People can continue their routine work... We are getting cooperation from all the protestors and associations... If anyone tries to disturb the law and order, strict action will be taken," he added.
Punjab Police, in a joint operation with Rajasthan Police, arrested the alleged main shooter from Salasar in Rajasthan on Wednesday.
According to Salasar SHO Shankar Lal Bhari, the accused was apprehended from Shri Ganganagar Dharamshala near the Salasar Balaji Temple, where he was reportedly hiding in disguise. The Punjab Police team subsequently took the accused into custody, and further investigation into the case is underway. (ANI)
"Sternest possible action will be taken": Punjab CM on activist Parvinder Singh Jhota's murder
