Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha on Tuesday declared that the daylight murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa, Punjab, is far more than an isolated crime — it is, in his words, a direct consequence of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government's failure to maintain law and order. His party's Punjab state president, Kewal Singh Dhillon, separately wrote to the state governor demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry.

How Jhota Was Killed

Parvinder Singh Jhota was shot dead in broad daylight in Mansa town while confronting the owner of a medical store over alleged drug sales. The entire incident was captured on camera and circulated widely. According to reports, Jhota had spent years opposing the so-called 'chitta' network — a slang reference to white heroin — which he and his supporters claim has expanded since AAP assumed power in Punjab.

What Raghav Chadha Said

'For years, he had been raising his voice against the chitta network that has grown by leaps and bounds since AAP came to power. Instead of support, he got a bullet in broad daylight,' Chadha said. He alleged that the same party which once vowed to eradicate the drug trade is now presiding over a state where chemists openly sell narcotics and activists face elimination. He further said that Bhagwant Mann's 'Yudh Nashean Virudh' campaign has, in effect, turned into a war against those who still try to fight drugs.

Family's Protest and Grief

Jhota's father has reportedly refused to cremate his son until the shooters and local drug dealers are brought to justice, and has publicly blamed the AAP government for his son's death. Chadha cited the family's anguish to underline a broader failure: 'When the family of a man fighting drugs has to appeal to the Centre for basic safety, it tells you everything about the state of affairs in Punjab,' he said.

CBI Probe Demanded, Governor Approached

Kewal Singh Dhillon wrote a formal letter to Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, urging him to intervene immediately and order a CBI investigation to ensure impartiality. Dhillon described Jhota as someone who had risked his life to protect Punjab's younger generation from drug trafficking. 'The murder of such an individual raises serious questions about the law and order situation in the state,' Dhillon said.

Broader Context: Punjab's Drug Crisis

Punjab has long been at the epicentre of India's drug abuse problem, with 'chitta' addiction devastating communities across the state. The AAP government under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann came to power in 2022 on explicit promises of waging a war against drugs. Critics argue that ground reality has not matched these pledges. This is not the first time an anti-drug activist in Punjab has faced violence, raising questions about state protection for those challenging narcotics networks. How the Punjab government responds to the family's demands and the calls for a CBI probe will be closely watched in the days ahead.