Parvinder Jhota’s last rites performed after 26-days wait; father alleges a political conspiracy
Babushahi Network
Mansa, November 8, 2026: Anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota was cremated in Mansa on Sunday, bringing an end to a 26-day-long wait marked by protests and demands for justice. The cremation took place amid an outpouring of grief, with family members, relatives and thousands of supporters gathering to pay their last respects. However, anger against the Punjab government and the police administration was also palpable among local residents and supporters.
During the funeral procession, thousands of supporters remembered Jhota's contribution to the fight against drug abuse and raised slogans against drug smugglers and those allegedly providing them protection.
Speaking to the media after the cremation, Parvinder Jhota's father, Bhim Singh, levelled serious allegations against the Punjab government and local police. He claimed that his son's death was not an ordinary incident but the outcome of a well-planned political conspiracy.
Bhim Singh alleged that influential drug smugglers operating in the region enjoyed political patronage and that his son was targeted because he had openly challenged the drug trade. He expressed disappointment that despite several days having passed since the incident, no concrete action had allegedly been taken against senior police officials and politically influential individuals suspected of involvement in the case.
Disappointed with what he described as the administration's lack of action, the family has sought immediate intervention from the Central Government and the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
The deceased activist's father also demanded the immediate transfer of the Mansa Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), arguing that such a step was necessary to ensure a fair and impartial investigation without any external pressure.
He made it clear that the cremation did not mean the end of the family's fight for justice. He warned that the family and supporters would continue their struggle until a high-level, impartial investigation was conducted and the main accused and alleged conspirators were brought to justice and given stringent punishment.
It may be recalled that Parvinder Jhota had launched a campaign against the spread of drugs in the Malwa region, receiving considerable support from the public. Following his death, the issue of the anti-drug movement has once again gained momentum across Punjab.
Many people believe that ensuring justice for someone who raised his voice against the drug menace is crucial to strengthening the fight against substance abuse. They say accountability in the case is essential to send a strong message that no drug trafficker or influential individual is above the law.