- CBI begins probe into anti-drug activist Parvinder Jhota's murder.
- Investigation to cover drug network, open sale of psychotropic substances.
- CBI to seek custody of accused chemist Ashwani Kumar.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has swung into action after being handed over the probe into the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota. The CBI on Tuesday evening reached Mansa to take over the records and seizures and released a formal letter to Punjab Police.
The CBI team, led by a senior DIG, has registered an FIR into the case. As part of the investigation, the forensic experts, drug controllers and other experts have been called to Mansa.
What will CBI investigate?
The CBI's probe will not only be limited to investigating Jhota's murder but also the nexus of the drug network. The central agency will investigate how the banned psychotropic substance reaches the market and is sold openly at chemist shops.
The team will also seek custody of chemist Ashwani Kumar, the accused who shot Jhota and was caught on camera during the incident.
The CBI probe was the main demand raised by Jhota's family and the action committee protesting his murder. The family had refused to cremate Jhota unless a meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah and a subsequent assurance of CBI investigation.
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On Tuesday, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann confirmed that the CBI will take over the case. Shah, who was on a visit to Punjab on Tuesday, met the family and offered condolences. He also criticised the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government over the deepened drug crisis in Punjab.
Meanwhile, CM Mann has said that the state government stands firmly with Jhotha's family. The government will not relent in the fight against drug abuse.
Drug menace has been a major issue in Punjab since the Akali-BJP government days. As Punjab is set to go to polls, Jhota's murder has brought the sale of psychotropic substance and related crimes to focus.