Punjab anti-drug crusader cremated 26 days after fatal shooting

Parvinder Singh Jhota, known for his vocal campaign against drug abuse in Punjab, was laid to rest 26 days after being shot dead in Mansa district. The extended period before his cremation underscored the gravity with which authorities and civil society have treated the case, with the delay sparking continued public attention to the circumstances surrounding his death.

Jhota's killing triggered significant public outcry and demonstrations across the region, with activists and residents demanding swift justice and concrete measures to combat the narcotics trade. The murder has become emblematic of the ongoing struggle against drug trafficking in Punjab, a state that has faced persistent challenges with substance abuse and related criminal networks.

His family has remained vocal in calling for immediate government intervention and police action to dismantle drug smuggling operations. The case has also drawn political attention, with various parties highlighting the need for coordinated efforts to address the state's drug problem and ensure the safety of those working to combat it.

The death of Jhota adds to growing concerns about violence targeting activists and community leaders who take stands against organized crime and drug distribution networks in the region.