MOHALI: The four accused in the killing of social activist Parvinder Singh Jhota were produced before a special CBI court in Mohali under tight security on Friday.The court remanded Ashwini Kumar, Vipin Garg and Ladi Singh in five-day custody, while Neelam Rani was remanded for four days.The remand is expected to allow investigators to question the accused further as the probe into Jhota’s killing continues.The CBI took over the investigation earlier this week following demands from Jhota’s family for an independent probe.The agency has registered a fresh FIR and begun recording statements of family members and examining evidence as part of its investigation.Jhota, who had campaigned against drug abuse and the alleged illegal sale of addictive substances, was shot dead on October 13 at a medical store in Mansa.He had confronted the shop owner, Ashwini Kumar, over the alleged sale of such substances. The confrontation turned violent, leaving Jhota dead and four others injured.The killing revived concerns over the drug menace in Punjab and triggered protests demanding accountability.Ashwini Kumar was arrested in Rajasthan, while Neelam Rani and the other accused were booked for their alleged roles in the case.The CBI is now investigating the circumstances surrounding the killing and the alleged involvement of the accused.The accused will remain in custody for the respective remand periods granted by the court as investigators pursue further questioning.
