Mansa: Police in Punjab's Mansa have arrested the main accused in the killing of anti-drug campaigner Parvinder Jhotta. Even after the arrest, the family and supporters of the late Jhotta are insisting on strict action against those responsible. A dispute at a pharmacy had turned into fatal firing, in which four other people were also injured. Two of them are said to be in a serious condition.
Dispute that began with an argument at a pharmacy ended in gunfire
The case has now moved from the arrest to the next stage of investigation and the demand for justice. According to available information, the incident took place on Tuesday at a pharmacy. Jhotta had gone to the shop to ask about a person who had allegedly bought intoxicants from there the same morning. This led to an argument with the shop owner.
As the dispute escalated, firing took place, in which Jhotta was killed. Four other people were injured. The shop owner fled after the incident. Police later arrested the main accused in the case. However, questions remain over the full circumstances behind the incident and what action will be taken against those responsible.
Four injured, two in serious condition
The injured have been identified as 65-year-old Baltej Singh, 42-year-old Kulwinder Singh, 24-year-old Happy Singh and 30-year-old Gobind Singh. As two of them were in a serious condition, they were referred to Bathinda for better treatment.
Supporters take to the streets, pressure on administration grows
After Jhotta's death, his family and supporters staged a sit-in at the Mansa hospital and at 12 Hatta Chowk. The protesters demanded strict action against the accused. Markets were also reportedly shut during the protest.
Late at night, Mansa Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Vaibhav Chaudhary reached the protesters. He asked the family to get their statements recorded, but no agreement could be reached during the talks. The family and supporters stood by their demand that those guilty be given strict punishment.
Focus on the probe committee's decision
A committee has been formed to probe the case. According to committee member Amandeep, Parvinder's family and the SSP have met. Further action will be decided on the basis of the committee's decision.