Punjab is set to witness a statewide bandh on October 15 following a call for a protest over the killing of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa. Jhota was shot dead on Tuesday morning while conducting a sting operation at a medical store, where he reportedly had a heated exchange with the owner.
The bandh has been called by Jhota’s father, Bhim Singh, which is expected to affect normal activities across several parts of the state, with markets, road traffic, and public transport services likely to face disruptions.
Road blockades and protests have been announced at key locations in Moga district, including Moga’s Main Chowk, Baghapurana Chowk, Badhani Road, Ajitwal Road, Dharamkot Chowk, and Samalsar.
Who Has Called for the Shutdown?
The Punjab bandh has received support from farmer unions, religious groups, social organisations, and political leaders. The protesters are demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into Jhota’s killing and accountability from Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the state Director General of Police (DGP).
Jhota’s father, Bhim Singh, has appealed for a statewide shutdown from 6 am to 5 pm on Thursday.
Amid grief and outrage, Bhim Singh called for the Chief Minister and DGP to resign and demanded a CBI investigation into the murder.
"Chief Minister and the DGP, if their conscience awakens, they should resign on their own. Furthermore, the investigation into this murder should be conducted by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Thirdly, a call has been issued for a 'Punjab Bandh' tomorrow, October 15th. On behalf of the committee, as well as all joint forums, activists, political parties, and organisations, we earnestly appeal to the people of Punjab to observe this shutdown starting from the morning,” Singh said.
Bhim Singh said, “We must fully observe the call for this Bandh, scheduled from 6 AM to the evening. Emergency services, such as ambulances transporting patients, will be allowed to pass; they will not be stopped. Similarly, regarding medical needs, patients requiring medication will be permitted to obtain it so that their lives can be saved.”
He urged supporters to maintain peace and assured them that emergency services would remain operational.
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has announced its support for the bandh. SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami said the committee’s offices and institutions would remain closed on October 15 in solidarity with the demand for justice.
The Bharatiya Kisan Union (Kadian) has also backed the shutdown. State committee member Satpal Singh Dadian said the organisation condemned Jhota’s killing and would support the protest. BKU Ekta Sidhupur has also announced its support.
The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has endorsed the call issued by Jhota’s father. Senior party leader Daljit Singh Cheema announced the decision, while party president Sukhbir Singh Badal appealed to Punjabis to extend their support peacefully.
Punjab BJP president Kewal Singh Dhillon announced the party’s support for the bandh called by the Joint Struggle Committee, comprising farmer and labour unions, social organisations, and political parties under Bhim Singh’s leadership. He said BJP workers would participate in the shutdown and raise the demand for justice.
Pargat Singh, PPCC president, has also appealed to Congress workers across the state to support the bandh. He expressed shock over the killing and sought justice for the family.
Meanwhile, police began barricading the Barnala-Mansa road and other routes on Wednesday in anticipation of a large gathering in Mansa. Several trucks were parked along the roadside as a backup measure.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann called Jhota’s killing an unfortunate incident and assured that those responsible would face the strictest punishment. He said the Aam Aadmi Party government would neither support anyone involved in the drug trade nor protect them.
Markets and shops could face disruptions on October 15, particularly in areas where the bandh receives strong support. Road traffic and public transport services may also experience delays, while blockades and demonstrations could affect commuters travelling between cities and within urban areas.
What Happened?
Anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota was shot dead on Tuesday after confronting Ashwani Kumar, the owner of a medical store, over the alleged sale of drugs to an elderly man.
Jhota was conducting a sting operation at the store when a heated exchange took place. The owner allegedly opened fire, and the incident was recorded on camera. Jhota was taken to Mansa Civil Hospital, where he was declared dead.
Jhota was known for speaking out against drug abuse and the alleged illegal sale of intoxicating and synthetic drugs and other prohibited substances at chemist shops.
The accused, Ashwani Kumar, fled after the shooting, prompting police to launch a manhunt. Sources said on Wednesday that he had been apprehended in Salasar, Rajasthan.