Anti-drug activist shot dead in Punjab amid ongoing narcotics crisis

An anti-narcotics activist was shot dead in Punjab's Mansa district Monday, marking another violent incident in a state long grappling with widespread drug trafficking. Parvinder Jhoota, known for publicly raising concerns about the open sale of narcotic substances across Punjab, was killed in the early morning hours. Eyewitness video recordings captured what appeared to be a heated confrontation before shots were fired, according to reports from the scene. The circumstances surrounding the killing remain under investigation, with local law enforcement working to identify those responsible. The incident has reignited concerns about the safety of anti-drug campaigners in the state and the persistent challenge of narcotics distribution networks operating with apparent impunity in Punjab.