15 October 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : The Punjab Police have suspended the Station House Officer (SHO) of Mansa City-2 police station following the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota. The investigation has also expanded, with the wife of the main accused and two other individuals reportedly named in the First Information Report (FIR).
The suspension of Inspector Beant Kaur came amid criticism over the handling of complaints related to alleged drug-related activities in the area. Mansa Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Vaibhav Chaudhary confirmed the action, according to media reports. The development has intensified public attention on the case and renewed demands for accountability and stronger action against drug trafficking in Punjab.
Main Accused Arrested in Rajasthan
Parvinder Singh Jhota was shot dead in Mansa on October 13, 2026. According to initial reports, an argument allegedly broke out at a medical store over the suspected sale of intoxicating medicines. The shop owner, Ashwani Kumar, was accused of shooting Jhota during the confrontation. Four other people were also reportedly injured in the incident.
After the shooting, the main accused allegedly fled Mansa. Police later arrested Ashwani Kumar in Salasar, Rajasthan, following coordinated efforts involving Punjab and Rajasthan police. His arrest allowed investigators to pursue additional leads and examine whether other people may have been involved in the incident.
Wife and Two Others Named in the FIR
As the investigation progressed, Ashwani Kumar’s wife, Neelam Rani, and two other individuals were reportedly added to the case. Media reports identified the other two as Ladi Barnala and Vipin Garg.
Investigators are examining the alleged roles of the newly named individuals and whether they had any connection with the murder. Reports also indicated that investigators were looking into phone communications and other evidence to establish the sequence of events and determine whether the crime involved additional participants.
Being named in an FIR does not establish guilt. The allegations against these individuals will need to be investigated and tested through the legal process.
SHO’s Suspension Amid Public Anger
The suspension of Inspector Beant Kaur followed criticism of the local police response. Protesters and community members have demanded accountability from officials and effective action against the illegal drug trade.
The case has become a major public issue in Punjab, where anti-drug campaigns and concerns about the safety of people speaking out against drug-related activities remain prominent. Protesters have called for the arrest of everyone allegedly involved in the murder and a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
The suspension is an administrative action and does not, by itself, establish criminal wrongdoing by the officer. Further findings from the investigation would be needed to determine whether any additional disciplinary or legal action is warranted.
Punjab Bandh Call and Protests
The killing triggered demonstrations by Jhota’s supporters, social organisations and farmers’ groups. Protesters demanded justice for the activist, strict action against the accused and stronger measures to tackle drug-related crime.