Amit Shah Says MHA Will Seek Report from Punjab Government on Anti-Drug Activist Parvinder Singh Jhota's Murder

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has said that the Ministry of Home Affairs will seek a report from the Punjab government on the killing of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota, escalating a political confrontation over law and order and the drug menace in the state. The announcement came on Friday, October 16, 2026, and was accompanied by sharp criticism of the Aam Aadmi Party government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

The Murder in Mansa

Jhota, who had raised his voice against drugs, was shot dead in broad daylight in Punjab's Mansa district. According to reports, he was allegedly shot by a medical shop owner and later died of his injuries after being taken to a hospital. The killing has triggered anger among activists and opposition parties, who see it as a sign that those who speak out against the drug trade are not safe.

Shah's Message to the Punjab Government

In a long post in Punjabi on social media, Shah said Punjab continues to grapple with rising threats from drugs, gangsterism and organised crime. He asked who would take responsibility for the safety of the people of Punjab, saying the Mann government had failed to do so. He pointed to two incidents in particular: the murder of Jhota in Mansa and a case in Dirba in which a father allegedly consumed poison under pressure. Both, he said, raise serious questions about the state's law and order situation, and he added that the home ministry would also seek a response from the state on the Dirba case.

Addressing the chief minister directly, Shah said the people of Punjab want answers rather than promises, results rather than announcements, decisive action against drug networks and an impartial investigation into any political patronage received by criminals.

Family Demands Resignations and a CBI Probe

Shah's remarks followed demands from Jhota's father, Bhim Singh, who called for the resignation of the chief minister and the Director General of Police. The family has also asked for a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation, the removal of senior local police officials and the release of activists who were detained during protests over the killing. These demands show the depth of anger among those close to the victim and the wider anti-drug movement.

A Political Pitch for Punjab

Shah also used the occasion to make a political pitch, saying the Bharatiya Janata Party would work to make Punjab free of drugs and gangsterism and secure if it is voted to power. He described the party's goals as strikes against the drug trade, protection of the future of young people, strict action against criminals and a rule of law in which no citizen has to live in fear. The statement is likely to feed into the political contest in the state, where drugs have been a long-standing and emotive issue for every major party.

Why the Issue Matters

Drug abuse and organised crime have been among the most contested subjects in Punjab politics for years, with parties regularly blaming each other for the problem. A request for a report from the Union home ministry is a significant step because law and order is primarily a state subject, and such a move signals the Centre's intent to put pressure on the state administration. It remains to be seen how the Punjab government will respond and whether the investigation into Jhota's killing will satisfy his family and the activists who have been demanding action.

For now, the case has become a rallying point for those who say that people who challenge the drug trade need protection and that the investigation must be fair and quick.

This report is based on published news coverage and statements attributed to the individuals involved. Allegations made by political leaders have not been independently verified.