A near-total bandh gripped several parts of Punjab on Thursday, 15 October 2026, following the killing of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa, with Opposition parties, farmer unions, trader bodies and social groups rallying behind the protest call issued by his family. The shutdown, scheduled from 6 am to 5 pm, proceeded despite persistent drizzle across the state.

How Jhota Was Killed

Jhota was shot dead in broad daylight in Mansa on Tuesday while livestreaming a confrontation with a medical store owner, Ashwani Kumar, over the alleged sale of addictive drugs. The incident was captured on video and triggered widespread anger across the district. Police registered a case on the basis of a complaint by Jhota's father and arrested the main accused in Rajasthan on Wednesday. Investigators have said the possible role of other persons in any alleged conspiracy will also be examined.

Key Demands of Protesters

The family and supporting organisations are demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the killing, accountability from the state administration over alleged illegal drug sales, and stronger protection for those actively campaigning against the drug menace. Bhim Singh, Jhota's father, has specifically demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav, as well as punitive action against district officials responsible for drug-control and law-and-order arrangements. The family has also refused to cremate Jhota's body until its demands are addressed.

Political and Civil Society Response

The Indian National Congress, the Shiromani Akali Dal, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Akali Dal Waris Punjab De are among the political formations reported to have backed the bandh. Farmer unions, employee organisations and social activists have extended similar support. In Amritsar, farmers and members of several organisations staged a protest at Golden Gate, raising slogans against the state government and demanding its dismissal. An effigy of Chief Minister Mann was burnt despite heavy rain; the demonstration was led by the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee.

Tensions in Mansa and Security Deployment

Tensions escalated in Mansa on Wednesday as protesters demolished and set fire to the accused's medical store. Authorities subsequently demolished part of his house, citing alleged unauthorised construction. Police deployed barricades on roads leading into Mansa amid concerns over further unrest.

Government's Position

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has promised strict punishment for those found responsible and directed the Punjab Police to conduct a thorough investigation. He has appealed to the public to maintain peace, assuring that anyone found involved in a conspiracy will face action. Notably, Jhota had become a prominent face of the campaign against alleged illegal drug sales through chemist shops in the region — his killing has renewed concerns over drug abuse, the availability of habit-forming medicines and the risks confronting anti-drug campaigners. The state's handling of the case will be closely watched in the days ahead.