World · India Bureau
Punjab anti-drug activist shot dead in pharmacy dispute
A prominent drug awareness campaigner was killed by a medical store owner in Mansa district after confronting him over illegal sales of controlled substances. The killing has triggered widespread public anger and political recriminations against the state government.
LSN India ·
An anti-narcotics activist was shot dead in broad daylight in Punjab's Mansa district following an altercation with a pharmacy owner over the illegal sale of addictive drugs. The incident has ignited significant unrest in the region, with residents staging large-scale demonstrations demanding justice and action against drug trafficking networks.
The victim, known for his drug awareness campaigns in the district, was killed after he reportedly confronted the medical store owner about allegedly selling controlled substances illegally. The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under investigation, though police have registered a case against the pharmacy operator.
The activist's family has refused to perform the last rites, using their son's body as a symbol of protest against what they describe as the state's failure to curb illegal drug operations. The stand-off has drawn significant attention from local communities and civil society groups who have joined the demonstrations.
The incident has intensified political pressure on the Aam Aadmi Party government, with opposition parties criticizing the administration's handling of drug trafficking and crime prevention in the state. Officials have appealed for calm while assuring swift action in the case.