# CBI investigates Parvinder Singh Jhota murder case > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/punjab-anti-drug-activist-murder-and-political-fallout > Updated: 2026-10-24T10:55:32.000Z. Sources: 44. Developments: 9. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has officially commenced its probe into the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa, Punjab. Following the transfer of the case by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to satisfy the victim’s family, a CBI team arrived in Mansa on Tuesday night to collect evidence and case documents from local police. Jhota was shot and killed on October 13 during a dispute at a pharmacy while campaigning against the illegal sale of psychotropic substances. The primary accused, medical store operator Ashwani Kumar, has been arrested in Salasar, Rajasthan. In a recent development, four individuals—Ashwini Kumar, Neelam Rani, Deepan Garg, and Ladi—have been remanded to judicial custody. The Mansa Senior Superintendent of Police indicated that the CBI may take the accused into custody via a production warrant. Union Home Minister Amit Shah met with Jhota’s family in Mansa to express condolences and promise a thorough investigation. He also met with the families of Bikramjit Singh in Gurdaspur and Gulzar Singh in Sangrur, promising CBI probes for all three cases. The investigation follows intense public unrest and protests by the ‘Insaaf Committee’. As the Punjab Vidhan Sabha begins its thirteenth session, the state’s drug crisis and the Mansa murder are expected to be central to legislative debates. Leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa signaled that these developments will drive discussions between the ruling party and the opposition. Meanwhile, Punjab BJP President Kewal Singh Dhillon has continued to demand the resignation of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, citing failures in law and order. Following the incident, the Punjab Pharmacy Council’s Executive Committee met on October 20 to address the conduct of the accused. On October 22, the council officially issued an order cancelling the pharmacist registration of Ashwani Kumar. Political pressure for a broader investigation has intensified. ## Claims - Parwinder Singh Jhota, an anti-drug activist and kabaddi player, was shot dead in Mansa, Punjab. (corroborated by 14 sources) - The Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee and other unions called for a statewide shutdown in Punjab. (corroborated by 14 sources) - The shooting occurred following a dispute over the sale of intoxicating capsules or prohibited medicines. (corroborated by 13 sources) - Video footage shows Jhota was live-streaming on social media when the shooting occurred. (corroborated by 9 sources) - Parvinder Singh Jhota was killed on October 13 in Mansa, Punjab. (corroborated by 9 sources) - The Punjab government transferred the murder case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). (corroborated by 9 sources) - The main accused, Ashwani Kumar, a medical store owner, was arrested in Salasar, Rajasthan. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Protesters are demanding a CBI investigation into the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Video footage appears to show the medical store operator firing during the confrontation. (corroborated by 4 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-24: Punjab political leaders demand wider CBI probe into activist murder Punjab leaders urge the CBI to widen its investigation into the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota, amid allegations of government harassment against his family. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/punjab-political-leaders-demand-wider-cbi-probe-into-activist-murder ### 2026-10-23: Punjab Pharmacy Council revokes registration of pharmacist accused in Jhota murder The Punjab Pharmacy Council has revoked the registration of Ashwani Kumar, accused in the murder of anti-drug activist Parminder Singh Jhota in Mansa. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/punjab-pharmacy-council-revokes-registration-of-pharmacist-accused-in-jhota-murder ### 2026-10-22: Punjab Vidhan Sabha session begins amid drug crisis and activist murder The Punjab Vidhan Sabha session begins with drug issues at the forefront following the murder of activist Parwinder Singh Jhota. The CBI has taken over the investigation into the Mansa killing. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/punjab-vidhan-sabha-session-begins-amid-drug-crisis-and-activist-murder ### 2026-10-21: CBI launches probe into anti-drug activist murder in Punjab The CBI has begun investigating the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Punjab following assurances from Union Home Minister Amit Shah. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cbi-launches-probe-into-anti-drug-activist-murder-in-punjab ### 2026-10-19: CBI takes over investigation into anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota murder The CBI has initiated an investigation into the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Punjab's Mansa district, following a government decision to transfer the case to the central agency. 14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/punjab-activist-parvinder-singh-jhota-murder-sparks-cbi-probe-demands ### 2026-10-17: Punjab political tension rises over Parvinder Singh Jhota murder The murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota has sparked political backlash in Punjab, with leaders criticizing the government's law and order and his father alleging police misconduct. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/punjab-political-tension-rises-over-parvinder-singh-jhota-murder ### 2026-10-14: Punjab bandh called following murder of anti-drug activist A statewide shutdown in Punjab was called to protest the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota. Protesters demand a CBI probe and the resignation of top officials amid rising drug concerns. 15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/punjab-bandh-called-over-murder-of-anti-drug-activist-parminder-singh-jhota ### 2026-10-13: BJP accuses Punjab government of protecting drug mafia after activist murder The BJP has accused the Punjab government of protecting the drug mafia following the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bjp-accuses-punjab-government-of-protecting-drug-mafia-after-activist-murder ### 2026-10-13: Parvinder Singh Jhota murder: Main accused arrested in Rajasthan Anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota was shot dead in Mansa, Punjab, during a live stream. The main suspect, medical store owner Ashwani Kumar, has been arrested in Rajasthan. 29 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/parwinder-singh-jhota-anti-drug-activist-shot-dead-in-punjab --- Cite as: CBI investigates Parvinder Singh Jhota murder case. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/punjab-anti-drug-activist-murder-and-political-fallout