Chandigarh: Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday vowed strict action against all those involved in the murder of social activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa, saying the main accused had been arrested within 24 hours and that anyone found to be part of a wider conspiracy would also face action.“I have directed the director general of police (DGP) to ensure a thorough investigation so that the truth comes out and everyone involved in this crime is identified. The main accused has already been arrested within 24 hours. If the investigation reveals the involvement of any other individual or organisation in a conspiracy behind this murder, they will also not be spared,” Mann said in a video message on social media.Calling the incident deeply unfortunate, Mann said the Punjab Police would leave no stone unturned to bring the culprits to justice and ensure exemplary punishment. “Punjab’s hard-earned peace and law and order would not be compromised at any cost,” he said, urging people to maintain peace and communal harmony.Mann linked the case to the state govt’s broader campaign against drugs, reiterating that no one involved in drug trafficking would be spared, irrespective of their influence or power. “Our govt has launched a campaign against the sale and supply of all kinds of drugs, whether illegally sold intoxicating medicines or conventional narcotics such as chitta. No leniency will be shown to anyone involved in this crime against humanity, regardless of how influential or powerful they may be,” he said.“The sale of drugs in Punjab will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Our youth are the state’s greatest asset, and the govt is firmly committed to protecting them from the menace of drugs. Anyone involved in drug trafficking will face strict action, and no one will be allowed to undermine this campaign,” Mann added.Expressing condolences to Jhota’s family, the chief minister described his death as an irreparable loss to both the family and society. He said the govt would ensure action against those responsible in accordance with the law.In a post on X, Mann condemned the incident and warned against attempts to undermine law and order. “Those who take the law into their own hands will face stringent action in accordance with the law,” he said.
