Mansa, November 9, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Antim Ardas and Bhog ceremony of slain anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota will be held on Sunday, November 15, at his native village Kot Dharmu in Mansa district.
Jhota, 42, who was shot dead at a medical store in Mansa on October 13, was cremated on Sunday, November 8, coinciding with Diwali, after a prolonged agitation by his family and supporters demanding justice.
His father, Bhim Singh, has appealed to people from across Punjab, particularly those who supported the family’s struggle for justice, to attend the Antim Ardas and Bhog in large numbers and pay their tributes to the departed activist.
Thousands Attend Jhota’s Cremation on Diwali
Jhota’s mortal remains were consigned to flames in his family’s fields on Chakerian Road in Mansa on November 8, 26 days after his killing.
A large number of people, including supporters, social activists, representatives of various organisations and political leaders, attended the cremation.
The funeral procession was marked by emotional scenes as people gathered to pay their last respects to the activist, who had become known for his campaign against drug abuse and the alleged illegal sale of addictive medicines.
Supporters raised slogans in his memory and pledged to continue his campaign against drugs.
His body had been brought to Mansa from the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, where a post-mortem examination was conducted on November 7.
Jhota’s Killing Triggered Prolonged Agitation
Parvinder Singh Jhota, a former boxer who had been associated with the anti-drug campaign Nasha Roko, Rozgaar Do, was shot dead on October 13 during a confrontation at a medical store in Mansa.
Jhota had accused the shop of illegally selling addictive medicines and was broadcasting the confrontation live on Facebook when the incident occurred.
According to the police investigation, medical store owner Ashwani Kumar allegedly opened fire during the altercation. Four associates of Jhota were also injured in the incident.
Ashwani Kumar was subsequently arrested in Rajasthan. Other accused were also taken into custody in connection with the case.
The killing triggered widespread protests, with Jhota’s family and supporters refusing to allow the post-mortem examination and cremation until their demands for justice were addressed.
His body remained at Mansa Civil Hospital for more than three weeks while the family and the Jhota Insaaf Action Committee continued their agitation.
CBI Investigating Murder Case
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) formally took over the murder investigation on October 21 and registered a fresh FIR against Ashwani Kumar and other accused.
The agency subsequently recorded statements of Jhota’s family members, examined evidence and questioned accused persons as part of its investigation.
The Punjab Government also held negotiations with the family and the Action Committee to resolve the prolonged standoff.
Following discussions involving Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan, Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian and senior officials, the government announced several measures, including action against certain officials, financial assistance for the family and proposals for a memorial and trauma centre in Jhota’s memory.
The government announced ₹2 crore compensation and a government job for Jhota’s wife. However, the family subsequently maintained that its struggle was for justice rather than financial benefits.
The agreement paved the way for the post-mortem and cremation, bringing the prolonged protest to an end.
Family Appeals for Participation in Antim Ardas
With the last rites completed, Jhota’s family is now preparing for the Antim Ardas and Bhog ceremony at Kot Dharmu on November 15.
Bhim Singh has appealed to the people of Punjab to join the family on the occasion and offer prayers for the departed soul.
The ceremony is expected to bring together family members, villagers, supporters of the anti-drug movement and representatives of organisations that participated in the campaign seeking justice for Jhota.
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