Anti-Drug Activist Murdered in Daylight in Mansa: Opposition Demands Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann Resignation Over Collapsing Law and Order in Punjab

Following the brazen daylight murder of anti-drug campaigner Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa, opposition political leaders across Punjab have demanded the immediate resignation of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The killing took place during a Facebook Live stream and comes just two days after an Assistant Sub-Inspector was gunned down in Tarn Taran, exposing severe security lapses across the state. Critics assert that the Punjab Police and the ruling administration have completely failed to curb violent crime and protect citizens fighting the drug epidemic.

Editor’s Note: This report is published as part of the RMN News Punjab Governance Tracker under the Punjab Elections | RMN Election Hub, providing verified accountability reporting on policy implementation, public grievances, and administrative performance across Punjab.

RMN News Punjab Desk
New Delhi | October 13, 2026

CHANDIGARH — A fresh political storm has erupted in Punjab following the daylight murder of anti-drug campaigner Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa. The execution of an active anti-narcotics campaigner has intensified public anger over the rapid breakdown of law and order, raising serious questions about police efficiency and the accountability of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

The incident occurred mere days after senior official appointments within the state police apparatus, highlighting a systemic failure to stop daylight violence and protect citizens who expose illegal narcotics networks.

Fatal Assault Broadcast Live on Social Media

Parvinder Singh Jhota had been actively campaigning against the illegal distribution and sale of addictive pharmaceutical drugs. He was shot following a confrontation at a medical store in Mansa, an encounter captured during a live Facebook broadcast.

Alleged shooter Ashwani Kumar, a local chemist, opened fire on Jhota during the dispute. Medical personnel at Mansa Civil Hospital confirmed that Jhota suffered three gunshot wounds, including a fatal injury to his liver. While police authorities stated that special investigation teams have been formed to arrest the accused, the blatant nature of the crime inside a commercial establishment has underscored the total lack of deterrence under current law enforcement.

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Widespread Outrage and Calls for Bhagwant Mann Resignation

The murder has drawn fierce condemnation from opposition leaders, who argue that governance in Punjab has degenerated into lawlessness while the state police force remains ineffective in preventing brazen violent acts.

Punjab BJP President Kewal Singh Dhillon characterized the prevailing state of affairs as “jungle raj” and explicitly demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. Dhillon pointed to recurring homicides, organized gangster violence, and unchecked drug sales as evidence that the ruling Aam Aadmi Party administration has failed to deliver basic security.

Shiromani Akali Dal President Sukhbir Singh Badal stated that the murder represents a stark reminder that state security has collapsed. He noted that Jhota had repeatedly warned authorities about illegal narcotics sales without receiving police backing or official protection. Badal further charged that the government flagship campaign against drugs, “Yudh Nashian Virudh,” has proven to be an empty promise.

Former Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring also held the Mann administration responsible, declaring the daylight killing a direct outcome of administrative neglect and policing breakdown. Warring emphasized that Jhota had consistently challenged drug syndicates without adequate state support. Former Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar similarly demanded accountability regarding the unchecked proliferation of habit-forming pharmaceutical drugs and questioned the oversight of drug inspectors across the state.

Strategic Police Elevation Fails to Deter Crime

The Mansa homicide occurred just four days after Gaurav Yadav was confirmed as Punjab’s regular Director General of Police following more than four years in an officiating role. Upon his confirmation, Yadav pledged comprehensive measures to dismantle criminal syndicates and gang operations.

However, the rapid succession of violent incidents has cast doubt on operational effectiveness. Just two days prior to Jhota’s killing, 55-year-old Assistant Sub-Inspector Iqbal Singh was shot dead near Naushehra Pannuan in Tarn Taran district by motorcycle-borne assailants while returning home. Iqbal Singh became the fifth Punjab police officer killed this year.

Commenting on the officer’s death, BJP Rajya Sabha MP Vikramjit Singh Sahney warned that criminal elements cannot be allowed to operate with impunity, stating that public fear must not become the standard in Punjab.

Unanswered Questions Over Police Oversight and Protection

Despite assertions by AAP spokesperson Baltej Pannu that strict measures will be taken and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann convening a high-level security meeting, public skepticism remains high.

Critical questions persist regarding whether police leadership adequately addressed prior complaints lodged by Jhota, why preventive security was not extended to known anti-drug whistleblowers, and why daylight shootings continue unhindered across public spaces. Until measurable enforcement outcomes replace official reassurances, the administration faces mounting scrutiny over its inability to restore safety and public trust.