6 November 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : The controversy surrounding the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Punjab’s Mansa district continued on Thursday, November 5, even after several protesters arrested during the agitation were released from jail. Jhota’s family refused to allow his body to be shifted to the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, for a post-mortem examination, insisting that the government first provide written confirmation that cases registered against protesters had been cancelled.
The decision came despite the release of prominent activists Lakhvir Singh Lakha Sidhana and Mohanjit Sheron, along with several other individuals arrested in connection with the protests. The family maintained that verbal assurances from the government were not sufficient and that official documents confirming the cancellation of police cases were necessary before proceeding with the post-mortem.
The development prolonged the uncertainty surrounding the last rites of Jhota, whose body had remained at the mortuary of Mansa Civil Hospital since his death on October 13.
Jhota’s Father Demands Written Confirmation
According to reports, Bhim Singh, father of Parvinder Singh Jhota, refused to permit the transfer of his son’s body to PGIMER despite arrangements being made for the post-mortem examination.
The family had reached Mansa Civil Hospital on Thursday evening, where an ambulance was waiting to transport the body to Chandigarh. However, even after waiting for nearly three hours, the family did not allow the ambulance to leave.
Bhim Singh said the government had agreed to cancel the cases registered against protesters during a meeting held on Wednesday with Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan, Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian and senior government officials.
However, he maintained that the family wanted written cancellation reports before allowing the post-mortem to proceed.
The family and the action committee had been demanding action against those responsible for Jhota’s murder and accountability from the authorities.
Lakha Sidhana and Mohanjit Sheron Released From Jail
The release of arrested protesters was one of the major conditions discussed during negotiations between the Punjab government and the action committee.
On Thursday evening, Lakha Sidhana and Mohanjit Sheron were released from Nabha Jail following an order passed by a Mansa court. Both had been arrested in connection with an attempt-to-murder case registered on October 28.
The case was based on a complaint by a police personnel who alleged that protesters had attacked him while the body of Daljit Singh, a 32-year-old marginal farmer from Bhamme Kalan village, was being transported to Mansa.
Apart from the two activists, nine other individuals arrested in separate cases were released from Bathinda Jail on Thursday evening. Six more protesters had reportedly been released earlier.
Despite these developments, Jhota’s family maintained its position and continued demanding written confirmation regarding the cancellation of all cases registered against protesters.
Government Had Agreed to Withdraw Cases
The disagreement over the written cancellation reports came after a four-hour meeting between Jhota’s family, members of the joint action committee and a high-level government delegation on Wednesday.
The meeting was attended by Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan and Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian. During the discussions, the government agreed to several demands raised by the family and protesters.
These included providing Rs 2 crore in compensation to Jhota’s family and a government job to his wife. The government also agreed to install a memorial statue of the activist on government land and name the proposed trauma centre at Khiala Kalan village after him.
The action committee had also agreed to suspend its proposed protest outside the Chief Minister’s residence in Sangrur. However, it maintained that the release of arrested protesters and withdrawal of cases were essential conditions for ending the agitation.
Government Announces Rs 2 Crore Compensation
The Punjab government announced financial assistance of Rs 2 crore for Jhota’s family. It also agreed to provide a government job to his wife, Manpreet Kaur.
The government further assured the family that a memorial would be established in Jhota’s name. The proposed trauma centre at Khiala Kalan village would also be named after the deceased activist, with the approval process expected to begin within a week.
In addition, the government assured action against officials whose alleged negligence was questioned following the incident.
The SHO, DSP and drug inspector concerned had already been suspended. A high-level inquiry into their roles was also announced.
The government further stated that properties belonging to individuals allegedly involved in drug trafficking would be investigated and strict action would be taken wherever wrongdoing was established.
Four People Were Injured in the Shooting
Parvinder Singh Jhota was shot dead on October 13 inside a medical store in a busy marketplace in Mansa.
According to the allegations, the incident occurred after Jhota questioned the store owner over the alleged sale of addictive medicines to an elderly customer. The confrontation turned violent, and the accused allegedly opened fire.
Jhota was hosting a Facebook Live session when the incident took place. Four other people also sustained bullet injuries during the shooting.
The incident triggered widespread protests across Mansa, with several organisations and activists demanding justice for Jhota and stronger action against drug trafficking.
The family also demanded a CBI investigation into the murder. Following their demand, the Punjab government recommended transferring the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation.
CBI Investigation and Action Against Officials
The CBI has taken over the investigation into Jhota’s murder. The agency is examining the circumstances surrounding the shooting and the allegations raised by the family and protesters.
The suspension of the SHO, DSP and drug inspector was among the administrative actions announced following the incident.
The government also stated that licences of three chemists had been cancelled, one licence suspended and four shops sealed in Mansa district.
The family and action committee have continued demanding accountability and effective measures against the illegal sale of addictive substances.
Post-Mortem Dispute Continues Amid Protests
The refusal to allow the post-mortem examination became a major point of disagreement between the family and the government, even after the release of several arrested protesters.
The family wanted written proof that all cases registered against protesters had been cancelled rather than relying solely on assurances given during meetings.
Later developments on Thursday night: A subsequent report stated that the body was eventually dispatched from Mansa Civil Hospital to PGIMER, Chandigarh, around midnight after an agreement was reached to conduct the post-mortem examination. The transfer came nearly 23 days after Jhota’s death.