Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) MP Harsimrat Kaur on Monday, 19 October wrote to Union Home Minister Amit Shah demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the daylight murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Punjab, and a comprehensive inquiry into the alleged politician-police-drug mafia nexus operating in the state. The letter arrives a day before Shah's scheduled visit to Punjab on 20 October.

How Jhota Was Killed

According to Kaur's letter, Parvinder Singh Jhota was shot dead in broad daylight after he informed the Mansa District Superintendent of Police (DSP) about a chemist shop allegedly selling drugs and went there to livestream the illegal activity. The alleged shooter, Ashwini Kumar — the medical store owner — reportedly opened fire on Jhota after speaking to someone on the phone, killing him and injuring two others. Kaur stated that despite Jhota's prior warning, police did not arrive at the spot in time.

Father's Statement Alleges Nexus at the Top

Jhota's father, Bhim Singh, submitted a formal statement to police alleging his son was a 'victim of the politician-police-drug mafia nexus' and claimed this nexus 'was receiving patronage from the very top, including Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.' Bhim Singh reportedly detailed how his son had earlier exposed drug trade from medical stores in Mansa, following which Jhota was arrested and jailed in what the family described as 'false cases.'

Bhim Singh specifically named the state's Director General of Police (DGP) and the Mansa SSP as being responsible for those false cases. He further alleged that while Jhota was in jail, the Mansa SSP threatened him with elimination if he continued raising his voice. Bhim Singh also accused then DSP Sanjeev Goyal of owning drug manufacturing facilities used to produce intoxicants, and named local drug inspector Shisham Mittal as being 'in cahoots with the drug mafia.'

Weapon Licence Controversy

Kaur highlighted that alleged shooter Ashwini Kumar had been previously jailed for selling controlled psychotropic drugs but was granted a weapon licence by the then Mansa SSP in 2024, just months after his release from custody. 'All this indicates that Ashwini had very powerful godfathers,' Kaur wrote, arguing that only a high-level independent probe can unmask the influential persons involved, 'be it the drug inspectors, police officials or top-ranking politicians.'

Broader Pattern of Alleged Suppression

The SAD MP referenced additional cases to build her argument of systematic suppression of anti-drug voices. She cited the case of Mohanjit Singh of Sunam, who was allegedly tortured for staging a democratic protest at a function addressed by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann against the sale of synthetic drug 'chitta.' She also mentioned the suicide of Gulzar Singh, which she attributed to 'police persecution' after he publicly questioned Finance Minister Harpal Cheema about open drug sales.

Kaur argued that these incidents are part of a broader pattern in which 'whistleblowers are being forced into silence even as drug traffickers have a field day in Punjab.'

What Kaur Is Asking For

The SAD MP urged that the CBI probe cover not just Jhota's murder but also the role of drug inspectors in trafficking and recent cases where police allegedly suppressed anti-drug activists. She contended that only a comprehensive, independent investigation into the drug racket in Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led Punjab 'can expose these messengers of death and provide relief to Punjabis from this scourge which is threatening to consume an entire generation.' The timing of the letter — one day before the Home Minister's Punjab visit — signals an attempt to put the issue squarely on the Centre's agenda.