‘He Used To Say I Have Many Enemies’: Mother Of Anti-Drug Activist Shot Dead In Punjab

Last Updated:October 13, 2026, 6:51 PM IST

Anti-drug activist Parminder Singh Jhota was shot dead by a medical store owner in Punab’s Mansa on Tuesday, sparking a major political backlash against the AAP government

File image of Anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota and the medical store where he was shot. (Source: X)

The mother of an anti-drug activist, who was shot dead in broad daylight by a medical store owner in Punjab’s Mansa district, revealed Tuesday that her son used to tell her that he had “many enemies” who would “get him killed”.

She demanded that those responsible for her son’s killing be hanged.

Anti-drug activist Parminder Singh Jhota was shot dead by a medical store owner in Punab’s Mansa on Tuesday, sparking a major political backlash against the Bhagwant Mann-led government.

Speaking to YEARS, Jhota’s mother said: “… The police didn’t even inform us when he died… He used to say I have many enemies and they will get me killed… The drug mafia should be hangedand they should be shot dead… And what Bhagwant Mann says—that the war against drugs will eradicate everything—he had my son killed… I used to ask my son not to go outside…”

Police said that the activist was questioning the drug store owner about the alleged illegal sale of addictive drugs to an individual. He was also recording the confrontation.

In the video, which is now making rounds online, Jhota can be heard noting that the shop owner had whipped out a pistol. Within seconds, he allegedly opened fire, leaving the activist severely injured.

He was rushed to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Soon after the incident, furious locals assembled outside the store and vandalised parts of the property.

Speaking amid public protests in Mansa, Jhota’s father accused the Bhagwant Mann-led administration of failing to protect his son.

“The Punjab government did not provide him with any security. Nobody protected us, and now my grandchildren are at risk,” his father said, according to the Hindustan Times.

He vowed that he would continue his son’s fight against drugs. “We will continue fighting this war against drugs. As long as I am alive, I will keep raising my voice. I am not afraid of dying; I am ready to take a bullet.”

Strict Action To Be Taken: Govt

AAP spokesperson Baltej Pannu condemned the incident, while also vowing strict action against those responsible, reported HT.

“Information confirms the murder was committed by a chemist shop owner. No individual in Punjab will be permitted to take the law into their own hands, and the strictest action will be taken against the guilty,” Pannu said.

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What led to the fatal shooting of anti-drug activist Parminder Singh Jhota in Mansa?

Parminder Singh Jhota was shot dead after confronting a medical store owner over the alleged illegal sale of addictive drugs. He was recording the confrontation on a Facebook livestream when an argument ensued, prompting the shop owner to pull out a pistol and open fire.

What accusations did Parminder Singh Jhota’s family make against the Punjab administration?

Jhota’s mother revealed that her son often expressed fears that his enemies would get him killed and blamed Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s administration for his death. Meanwhile, his father accused the government of failing to provide him with police security.

How did local residents and state authorities react to the activist’s killing?

Furious locals gathered outside the store, vandalized parts of the property, and tore down posters of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. AAP spokesperson Baltej Pannu condemned the murder, vowing that the government would take the strictest action against those responsible.

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Meemansa ShekhawatSub-editor

A Journalism graduate, Meemansa Shekhawat is a sub-editor at News18. Driven by a keen interest in news, she is a passionate writer with specialisation in national and international affairs. You can re…Read More

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