CHANDIGARH: The dispute between anti-drug activist Parwinder Singh Jhota and a chemist in Punjab dates back to July 2023, when Jhota allegedly put a garland of shoes around the chemist’s neck, accusing him of selling synthetic drugs.On Tuesday, Jhota was shot dead in Mansa after confronting the same chemist over the alleged sale of prohibited substances.
How the dispute began in 2023
Jhota had been campaigning against the drug menace and had been targeting medical stores that he accused of selling intoxicating pills, synthetic drugs and other prohibited substances.In July 2023, Jhota allegedly humiliated the chemist by putting a garland of shoes around his neck over the allegations.A case was registered against Jhota, who was subsequently arrested and spent nearly two months in jail.He was released on September 11 after the complainant approached the court seeking withdrawal of the complaint.Jhota’s arrest triggered protests by activists from several social and farmer organisations, who demanded his release.The state government eventually paved the way for his release following the protests. The chemist was also facing cases related to the alleged sale of prohibited substances.
Confrontation at medical store turns fatal
The old dispute resurfaced on Tuesday morning when Jhota confronted the chemist at his medical store after meeting an elderly man who had allegedly bought synthetic drugs from the shop.Jhota took the man to the store and questioned the chemist over the alleged sale of prohibited substances.The confrontation escalated, with the chemist allegedly pulling out a weapon and firing at Jhota inside the shop before following him into the market and firing again.Jhota, who was recording a video for a Facebook livestream, was hit by bullets and later collapsed at another shop.
Jhota declared dead, four others injured
Jhota, 45, was taken to Mansa Civil Hospital, where he was declared dead.Four others were also injured in the firing.Mansa SSP Vaibhav Chaudhary said the shopkeeper had been identified and police were working to arrest him.Further investigation in this regard is currently underway, officials informed.
