Mansa: The Centre has sought a response from Punjab Chief Secretary K.A.P. Sinha over the killing of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhotta in Mansa, asking the state government to submit a detailed factual report on the incident and outline the action taken so far.
Meanwhile, the family and supporters continued their protest for the fourth consecutive day, insisting on five demands, including the resignation of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav, and a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
The administration has held several rounds of talks with the family, but no breakthrough has been reported so far. Jhotta’s father, Bhim Singh, has said the family will not accept his son’s body until its demands are met.
The body remains at the Mansa Civil Hospital, and the post-mortem examination has not yet been conducted. The Justice Committee formed in connection with the case has announced plans to gherao the residences of Aam Aadmi Party MLAs and ministers across Punjab on October 19.
Police have registered two cases in connection with alleged arson, vandalism and inflammatory speeches during protests following the killing. Deputy Inspector General Harjeet Singh said those allegedly involved had been identified and would be arrested soon.