5 November 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : The Punjab government has reached a major agreement with the family of slain anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota and the Justice Action Committee following weeks of protests demanding justice for his murder. Under the agreement, the state government will provide ₹2 crore in financial compensation to Jhota’s family and a government job to his wife, Manpreet Kaur, according to her qualifications. The agreement has also paved the way for his post-mortem and final rites, which are scheduled to take place on November 6.
The breakthrough came after an extensive meeting between government representatives, Jhota’s family and members of the Justice Action Committee in Mansa on Wednesday, November 4. Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan and Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian participated in the discussions along with senior administrative and police officials. The meeting continued for several hours before both sides reached an understanding on most of the committee’s major demands.
Post-Mortem and Last Rites on November 6
One of the biggest developments following the agreement is the decision to conduct Jhota’s post-mortem examination on November 6, followed by his last rites. His body had remained at the mortuary of the Civil Hospital in Mansa since his killing on October 13, as his family had refused to allow the post-mortem until their demands were addressed.
According to the agreement, a team of senior doctors from the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, will conduct the post-mortem examination. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is also involved in making the necessary arrangements as part of the ongoing investigation into the murder.
The family and the action committee had been demanding a transparent investigation and strict action against everyone allegedly responsible for the incident. They had maintained that the post-mortem and cremation would take place only after the government addressed their concerns.
₹2 Crore Compensation and Government Job for Wife
As part of the settlement, the Punjab government has agreed to provide ₹2 crore as compensation to Jhota’s family. His wife, Manpreet Kaur, will also be offered a government job based on her educational qualifications and eligibility.
The financial assistance and employment assurance were among the major demands raised by the family during the ongoing agitation. The government has agreed to provide support to the family following the activist’s death.
In addition to the compensation, the state government has accepted the demand to honour Jhota’s contribution to the fight against drug abuse through a memorial in his name.
Statue and Trauma Centre to Be Established in Jhota’s Name
The government has also agreed to install a statue of Parvinder Singh Jhota at a government location in Mansa. The site will be selected in consultation with his family.
Another important announcement concerns the construction of a trauma centre in Khiala village of Mansa district. The proposed medical facility will be named after Jhota. The government is expected to initiate the approval process for the project within a week.
The committee had demanded that Jhota’s name be associated with a public welfare initiative to recognise his efforts against the drug menace. The proposed trauma centre is expected to serve people in the surrounding areas by improving access to emergency medical facilities.
Cases Against Protesters to Be Withdrawn
The agreement also addresses several cases registered during the protests following Jhota’s killing. The government has agreed to withdraw cases registered against Jhota’s father and members of the anti-drug campaign team.
Cases related to the removal and tearing of flex banners across Punjab during the agitation will also be withdrawn. The action committee had argued that cases against activists and supporters should not continue because they were participating in demonstrations demanding justice.
The release of arrested activists, including Lakha Sidhana and Mohanjit Singh Sheron, was another important issue during the negotiations. The committee had insisted that their release was necessary before the post-mortem and final rites could proceed.
The government agreed to address the demand, making the release of the detained leaders an important condition for implementing the settlement.
Action Against Police and Health Department Officials
Following the murder, questions were raised about the functioning of the police and health department in Mansa district, particularly concerning alleged illegal sales of habit-forming medicines.
The Punjab government has already suspended the concerned Station House Officer (SHO), Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) and Drug Inspector. A high-level inquiry has also been announced to examine their roles and determine whether any negligence or misconduct took place.
The government has assured that strict action will be taken against officials found responsible. Investigations into the properties and activities of individuals allegedly involved in the drug trade will also be conducted.
As part of the wider crackdown, the health department has reportedly cancelled the licences of three chemists, suspended one licence and sealed four medical shops in Mansa district. The government has indicated that action against illegal drug sales will be expanded across Punjab.
Compensation for Other Families Affected During the Agitation
The agreement also includes financial assistance for families affected by incidents connected with the protests.
The government has agreed to provide ₹50 lakh in compensation and a government job to the wife of Daljit Singh of Bhamme Kalan village, who died on October 27. A government job at the Mansa Deputy Commissioner’s office has also been included in the arrangement.
Additionally, the family of a young man who died during a protest-related incident in Ludhiana will receive ₹20 lakh in compensation. Four injured individuals will receive ₹5 lakh each along with government-funded medical treatment.
CBI Investigation to Continue, CM Residence Protest Deferred
The murder investigation has already been transferred to the CBI following demands from Jhota’s family. The agency will continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the killing and identifying those responsible.
The agreement has also brought temporary relief to the political situation in Punjab. The Justice Action Committee had announced a programme to gherao Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s residence in Sangrur on November 5. However, following the breakthrough in negotiations, the proposed protest has been put on hold.
The committee had also demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav. However, the government did not accept the demand for political resignations.
With the agreement now in place, attention has shifted towards its implementation, the release of detained activists and the completion of the post-mortem and last rites on November 6.
The case has become a major issue in Punjab, highlighting public concerns about drug trafficking, illegal sales of addictive medicines and the safety of people campaigning against the drug menace. The CBI investigation and the government’s commitments will now be closely watched by Jhota’s family, supporters and the wider public.