By In a statement on X, Nabin accused the AAP government of failing to protect people challenging the drug menace, despite its promises to work towards a drug-free Punjab. The case has also prompted an appeal from Jhota’s father for protection for his grandchildren, while police have said their preliminary investigation points to personal enmity as the motive behind the shooting.
Jhota Shot Dead, Police Investigate Personal Enmity Angle
According to the initial police account, Jhota was shot by a medical shop owner and later died after being taken to hospital. The incident has drawn political attention because of Jhota’s work as an anti-drug activist in Mansa.
Deputy Inspector General of Police Harjeet Singh said preliminary findings suggested that the shooting stemmed from personal enmity. He identified the suspected shooter as Ashwani, who allegedly used a licensed pistol in the attack.
Singh said police had formed multiple teams to locate and arrest the main suspect. One associate of the suspect had been arrested, while family members had been detained for questioning as part of the investigation.
The police account represents the initial findings, and the circumstances surrounding the killing remain subject to further investigation.
Jhota’s Father Appeals to PM Modi and Amit Shah for Protection
Following his son’s death, Jhota’s father appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to ensure the safety of his grandchildren. He alleged that the Punjab government had failed to provide adequate protection to his son and expressed concern about the security of the family.
He said the family had received no protection and feared that his grandchildren could also be at risk. His appeal has added a security concern to the case as authorities continue their efforts to apprehend the main suspect.
Jhota’s father also vowed to continue speaking out against drugs in Punjab, saying he would keep up the fight for as long as he lived.
BJP Questions AAP’s Drug-Free Punjab Promise
Nabin’s remarks have put the AAP government’s stated commitment to tackling drug abuse and trafficking under renewed political scrutiny. The BJP chief argued that the safety of people working against drugs should be a priority and called on the state government to answer questions arising from the killing.
The case has brought together two distinct issues: the criminal investigation into Jhota’s death and the wider political debate over how Punjab is addressing its drug problem. While the BJP has used the incident to question the state government’s performance, police have so far pointed to personal enmity as the suspected motive.
The investigation is expected to establish further details about the shooting, the role of those allegedly involved and the circumstances that led to the activist’s death.
