Punjab BJP chief demands CBI probe into anti-drug activist's murder, CM Mann's resignation
Synopsis
Punjab BJP chief Kewal Singh Dhillon has demanded a CBI inquiry into the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota and called for CM Bhagwant Mann's immediate resignation — alleging that a police official was caught with 20 kg of heroin the same day, and that government employees are themselves implicated in Punjab's drug trade.
Key Takeaways
Punjab BJP President Kewal Singh Dhillon demanded a CBI probe into the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa .
Dhillon called for the immediate resignation of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann over Punjab's law and order situation.
He alleged a police official was apprehended by the BSF with 20 kg of heroin while having previously served in a VIP security convoy.
Dhillon cited killings of ASI Harjit Singh in Amritsar and Sarpanch Navdeep Singh in Tarn Taran as examples of anti-drug voices being silenced.
He claimed six police personnel have been shot dead in the state, alleging a complete breakdown of law and order under the AAP government.
BJP is staging protests across every district of Punjab and Dhillon stated he has already written to the Governor of Punjab over the matter.
Punjab Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Kewal Singh Dhillon on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota, who was allegedly shot dead by a medical store owner in Mansa. Dhillon also called for the immediate resignation of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, citing a collapse of law and order across Punjab.
Key Allegations and Demands
Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Dhillon declared that the state has descended into what he described as 'Jungle Raj' — a state of lawlessness. He alleged that Jhota, who had publicly raised his voice against the drug trade, was shot dead in full public view in Mansa. 'Hardly a day goes by without a murder taking place,' Dhillon said. He added that following the killing, Jhota's father held the local Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) responsible for the incident.
The BJP leader stated that he had written to the Governor of Punjab immediately after the incident. 'We do not trust the Punjab government or the police; therefore, we have demanded a CBI enquiry into the case,' he said, adding that his party is staging protests across every district of the state.
Drug Menace at the Centre of BJP's Campaign
Dhillon framed the murder within a broader indictment of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government's handling of the drug crisis. He alleged that Punjab, historically celebrated for its Gurus, warriors, and sportspersons, is today synonymous with 'Chitta' — a term for synthetic drugs — and rampant substance abuse.
He referenced an anti-drug campaign launched by BJP leader Nitin Nabin, which concluded in Jalandhar and was attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. At that event, Shah had reportedly asserted that only the BJP could eliminate Punjab's drug problem, and had set a timeframe for doing so, according to Dhillon.
Allegations Against Government Personnel
In a particularly sharp allegation, Dhillon claimed that a police official was apprehended by the Border Security Force (BSF) on the same day with 20 kg of heroin, and that the officer had previously served in a VIP security convoy. He used this to argue that government employees themselves were allegedly complicit in the drug trade.
Dhillon also cited the killings of ASI Harjit Singh in Amritsar and Sarpanch Navdeep Singh in Tarn Taran, arguing that those who speak out against drugs face deadly consequences. He further alleged that six police personnel had been shot dead in the state so far, questioning how a police force that cannot protect itself can safeguard ordinary citizens.
Political Warning and Public Sentiment
Dhillon issued a pointed political warning, alleging that residents across Punjab told him during outreach sessions that they intend to put up signs outside their villages barring the AAP from entry. 'The public has vowed not to let the Chief Minister enter their villages,' he claimed, adding that the distress expressed by victims' families had moved even officials present at press briefings to tears.
He also criticised the AAP government over reported power outages in the state, alleging incompetence and a tendency to blame the Centre for failures. 'No one is safe under the AAP government,' he alleged, citing a bank manager being shot in Amritsar as further evidence.
What Happens Next
The BJP's demand for a CBI probe will now test the Centre-state dynamic, as a CBI inquiry in a state matter requires either the state government's consent or a court directive. With elections on the horizon and the AAP government yet to respond to the specific allegations, the political pressure from this campaign is likely to intensify in the coming weeks.
Point of View
But the allegations it contains — a serving police official allegedly caught with 20 kg of heroin while assigned to VIP duty — deserve scrutiny beyond partisan framing. The BJP's demand for a CBI probe is structurally constrained: the Centre cannot order a CBI inquiry in a state matter without state consent or a court order, which means the demand is as much a political tool as a legal strategy. More significantly, the murder of Parvinder Singh Jhota raises a legitimate question about the safety of civil society voices against the drug trade — one that the AAP government has not yet publicly addressed. Whether the BJP's campaign converts grief into electoral momentum, or whether the AAP responds with counter-evidence on drug seizure data, will shape Punjab's political narrative heading into the next election cycle.
NationPress
14 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Parvinder Singh Jhota and how was he killed?
Parvinder Singh Jhota was an anti-drug activist from Mansa, Punjab, who was allegedly shot dead by a medical store owner after speaking out against the drug trade. His death prompted Punjab BJP President Kewal Singh Dhillon to demand a CBI probe and call for Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's resignation.
Why is the BJP demanding a CBI probe instead of a state police investigation?
Dhillon stated that the BJP does not trust the Punjab government or its police to conduct a fair inquiry, which is why the party has sought a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) enquiry. He alleged that government employees, including police personnel, are themselves allegedly involved in the drug trade.
What did Kewal Singh Dhillon allege about the Punjab police?
Dhillon alleged that a police official, who had previously served in a VIP security convoy, was apprehended by the Border Security Force (BSF) with 20 kg of heroin. He also cited the deaths of ASI Harjit Singh in Amritsar and six police personnel shot dead in the state as evidence of a law and order collapse.
What is the BJP's anti-drug campaign in Punjab?
The BJP launched an anti-drug awareness campaign initiated by BJP leader Nitin Nabin, which concluded at a public event in Jalandhar attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. At the event, Shah reportedly asserted that only the BJP could eliminate Punjab's drug problem and set a timeframe for doing so.
Has the Punjab government responded to these allegations?
As of the time of this report, the AAP-led Punjab government had not publicly responded to the specific allegations made by Dhillon at his press conference. The BJP stated it is staging protests in every district of Punjab and that Dhillon has already written to the Governor of Punjab regarding the matter.
