Parvinder Singh Zhota was described as a dedicated anti-drug activist and the head of the local anti-drug task force in Mansa, Punjab. His role placed him at the forefront of efforts to curb narcotics in the district.
For an extended period Zhota worked to make Mansa free of drugs, inspiring residents to stay away from narcotics and speaking out against drug sellers. His sustained advocacy contributed to several panchayats adopting resolutions against drug use.
"Drug addicts killed my son with the backing of the AAP Punjab government and Mansa AAP MLA Vijay Singla." - Father of Parwinder Singh Jhota! https://t.co/aR5P06JcWJ
Before the fatal encounter, Zhota had previously arrested individuals suspected of selling drugs and handed them over to police, demonstrating his active involvement in enforcement efforts.
Zhota himself is quoted as saying, “the medical store owner had taken out a pistol.
Zhota approached a medical store owner to question him about the alleged sale of addictive drugs. This interaction formed the basis of the subsequent dispute.
BJP chief Nitin Nabin questions security in Punjab after anti-drug activist Jhota shot dead https://t.co/lcwEKdetu1
Closed‑circuit television footage recorded a verbal disagreement between Zhota and the store owner immediately before the shooting, showing the tension that escalated.
During the argument, the medical store owner reportedly drew a pistol and fired, striking Zhota on the spot. Zhota himself is quoted as saying, “the medical store owner had taken out a pistol.”
Parvinder Singh Zhota was killed in the attack. The incident was recorded on video, which subsequently circulated widely on social media platforms, drawing significant public attention.
Different accounts list the shooting on two distinct dates: one source cites 2024-02-27, while others record the event as occurring on 2026-10-13. Both dates appear in the chronological notes provided.
The killing has been described as a significant setback for anti‑drug initiatives in the area, removing a prominent local leader who had mobilized community action against narcotics. His death is described as a significant blow to anti-drug campaigns in the region.