Punjab activist's family demands CBI probe after killing; Shah pledges drug crackdown

Anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh was shot dead inside a medical shop in Punjab on October 13, triggering calls for a high-level investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. Singh's family has withheld cremation proceedings, making the CBI inquiry a precondition for laying the activist to rest, underscoring their demand for a thorough and impartial probe into the killing.

The incident has intensified scrutiny on Punjab's ongoing battle against narcotics trafficking and the security of activists working against drug networks. Singh's work against substance abuse in the state had made him a prominent figure in civil society efforts to combat the narcotics menace that continues to plague the region.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah met with the bereaved family to discuss their concerns and reiterated the central government's commitment to tackling drug-related issues. Shah vowed to work towards making Punjab a drug-free state, acknowledging the challenges posed by organized trafficking networks and the dangers faced by those attempting to counter them.

The family's decision to stall cremation has drawn attention to questions about investigative procedures in high-profile cases and the need for transparent inquiry mechanisms. As of now, the case remains under examination, with the family's insistence on a CBI investigation reflecting broader concerns about the capacity of local authorities to handle sensitive matters involving potential criminal conspiracies.