New Delhi, October 14, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken cognisance of the murder of Punjab-based anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota and issued notices to the state’s Chief Secretary and Director General of Police (DGP), seeking reports on the incident.
NHRC Chairperson Priyank Kanoongo on Wednesday described the killing as a serious incident, alleging that it reflected the growing brazenness of drug peddlers and a disregard for the law. He termed the murder a “blatant example of lawlessness” and said the commission would investigate the matter.
“Our aim is to ensure that across the country, including Punjab, the safety of activists working against drugs remains the responsibility of the state governments. With this objective, we will investigate the entire matter,” Kanoongo said.
He also expressed concern over instances in which people campaigning against drugs allegedly failed to receive adequate support from state authorities. According to him, such situations could embolden drug dealers by creating the impression that those involved in the illegal trade would not face effective action.
Kanoongo cited two alleged instances involving people who had approached senior state leaders, claiming that one was assaulted after speaking to a Chief Minister, while another died by suicide after failing to receive adequate attention following a conversation with a Finance Minister. He called for a change in the approach towards people raising their voices against drugs.
Jhota was shot dead in broad daylight on Tuesday following a confrontation at a medical store over the alleged sale of addictive substances. According to police, Jhota had confronted the store owner, Ashwani Kumar, after allegedly finding him selling drugs to an elderly man. The argument reportedly escalated, and Kumar allegedly opened fire.
The incident was captured during Jhota’s Facebook Live session, triggering widespread outrage. Jhota had also confronted the same chemist in 2023 over alleged drug sales, leading to a prolonged dispute. Police have indicated that personal enmity is among the possible motives under investigation.
In a breakthrough, police arrested Kumar in Salasar, Rajasthan, late Tuesday night and recovered the pistol allegedly used in the crime. Another person suspected of helping him flee after the shooting has also been apprehended.
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