Punjab anti-drug activist shot dead in Mansa; BJP slams AAP over law and order
Synopsis
An anti-drug activist was shot dead in Punjab's Mansa during what was reportedly a live exposure of drug sales at a medical store. The killing has united the BJP, Congress, and SAD in attacking the AAP government, with BJP chief Nitin Nabin declaring it a 'serious failure of governance' — a devastating indictment of a party that rode to power on an anti-drug promise.
Key Takeaways
Anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota was shot dead in Mansa, Punjab on 13 October 2026 .
A medical store owner allegedly opened fire on Jhota following tensions over his anti-drug activities, according to preliminary reports.
BJP National President Nitin Nabin called the killing a 'serious failure of governance' by the AAP government in Punjab.
Former Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring blamed the Bhagwant Mann government's 'failed law and order.' SAD General Secretary Bikram Singh Majithia demanded the resignation of the state government.
The AAP government came to power in 2022 on a prominent anti-drug pledge — 'Yudh Nashean Virudh' — making the killing politically explosive.
Anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota was shot dead in Mansa, Punjab, on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, triggering sharp political condemnation from opposition parties who accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government of failing to protect those fighting the drug menace. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National President Nitin Nabin called the killing a 'serious failure of governance' that exposes the 'alarming state of law and order' in the state.
What Happened in Mansa
According to a preliminary report, a medical store owner allegedly opened fire on Jhota following tensions over his anti-drug activities. Jhota, who was associated with an anti-drug task force, had been actively campaigning against drug trafficking and the alleged sale of addictive substances in the region. He had reportedly confronted individuals suspected of selling drugs and mobilised local communities to oppose the drug menace in Mansa district.
BJP's Sharp Attack on AAP
BJP National President Nitin Nabin, in a post on X, said: 'The killing of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa is shocking and exposes the alarming state of law and order in Punjab under the AAP government.' He further stated: 'The Aam Aadmi Party came to power promising a drug-free Punjab. Today, those who stand up against drugs are themselves at risk. This is a serious failure of governance. If those fighting the drug mafia are not safe, who is safe in Punjab?' Nabin added that 'the people of Punjab deserve answers and accountability.'
Congress and SAD Join the Chorus
Former state Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring also trained his guns on Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, calling the killing 'a direct result of the failed law and order and failed Yudh Nashean Virudh' of the Mann government. Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) General Secretary Bikram Singh Majithia condemned the murder and, in a post on X, said: 'Parvinder Singh Jhota, who had been fighting a long battle against drugs in Mansa, has been murdered while exposing the alleged sale of chitta (heroin) at a medical store during a live broadcast.' Majithia demanded the resignation of the state government and urged the people of Punjab to 'unite and demand answers.'
Broader Context: Punjab's Drug Crisis
Punjab has long grappled with a severe drug abuse problem, and the AAP government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, came to power in 2022 on the back of a prominent anti-drug pledge branded 'Yudh Nashean Virudh' (War Against Drugs). Critics argue that on-ground results have been mixed, with reports of drug-related crime continuing to surface across districts. Notably, Jhota's alleged killing during or after a live broadcast — in which he was reportedly exposing drug sales — adds a particularly alarming dimension to the incident. This comes amid a broader pattern of activists and whistleblowers facing threats in regions where drug networks have entrenched interests.
What Happens Next
As of Tuesday, no official response from the AAP government or Chief Minister Mann had been reported on the killing. The opposition's unified demand for accountability is expected to intensify pressure on the state administration. Law enforcement agencies are expected to investigate the circumstances of the shooting and the role of the medical store owner, who is reportedly the prime accused in the case.
Point of View
It is not just a law-and-order failure; it is a narrative failure for Bhagwant Mann's government. The convergence of BJP, Congress, and SAD in condemnation is unusual and reflects how exposed AAP is on this issue. The deeper question mainstream coverage risks missing: if drug networks have grown brazen enough to allegedly eliminate whistleblowers in public view, the problem may have metastasised well beyond what routine policing can address.
NationPress
13 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Parvinder Singh Jhota?
Parvinder Singh Jhota was an anti-drug activist based in Mansa, Punjab, associated with an anti-drug task force. He had been actively campaigning against drug trafficking and was reportedly shot dead on 13 October 2026, allegedly during or after a live broadcast in which he was exposing the sale of drugs at a medical store.
Who is accused of shooting Parvinder Singh Jhota?
According to preliminary reports, a medical store owner allegedly opened fire on Jhota following tensions over his anti-drug activities. Investigators are expected to probe the precise circumstances of the shooting.
What did BJP's Nitin Nabin say about the killing?
BJP National President Nitin Nabin said the killing 'exposes the alarming state of law and order in Punjab under the AAP government' and called it a 'serious failure of governance.' He questioned how safe Punjab residents are if those fighting the drug mafia face mortal danger.
How have the Congress and SAD reacted?
Former Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring blamed the Mann government's 'failed law and order,' while SAD General Secretary Bikram Singh Majithia condemned the murder and demanded the resignation of the state government, urging people of Punjab to unite and demand accountability.
What was AAP's anti-drug promise in Punjab?
The Aam Aadmi Party, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, came to power in Punjab in 2022 with a prominent anti-drug campaign branded 'Yudh Nashean Virudh' (War Against Drugs). Critics, including opposition parties, argue that the pledge has not translated into effective on-ground results, citing continued drug-related crime across districts.
