After Crowd Vandalises House of Jhota Murder Accused, Punjab Administration Launches Demolition Drive
The Mansa district administration in Punjab demolished the front portion of the house of Ashwani Kumar, the prime accused in the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota, on Wednesday, October 14. The action was carried out amid heavy police deployment as tensions continued in the area following Jhota’s killing.
The Mansa district administration in Punjab demolished the front portion of the house of Ashwani Kumar, the prime accused in the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota, on Wednesday, October 14. The action was carried out amid heavy police deployment as tensions continued in the area following Jhota’s killing.
According to reports, the demolition took place at Kumar’s residence in Veer Nagar, Mansa, following an earlier complaint regarding alleged illegal construction. Mansa Senior Superintendent of Police Vaibhav Chaudhary said the civil administration was taking action in connection with the complaint. The development came as protests and public anger intensified over the killing of Jhota, who had campaigned against drug abuse and the alleged illegal sale of addictive substances through medical stores. Parvinder Singh Jhota Murder Case: Chemist Ashwani Kumar Arrested in Rajasthan, Pistol Recovered.
Main Accused Arrested in Rajasthan
Punjab Police arrested Ashwani Kumar in Rajasthan late Tuesday night, October 13, following a search operation after the fatal shooting. He was reportedly apprehended near the Salasar Balaji temple in Churu district. Police also recovered the pistol allegedly used in the crime, according to reports.
Jhota was shot dead on Tuesday following a confrontation with Kumar over the alleged sale of intoxicating medicines at his medical store in Mansa. The incident was captured in a Facebook livestream shared by the activist, triggering widespread outrage. Four other people were also injured in the firing. Police had earlier apprehended another person suspected of helping Kumar flee after the incident.
Ashwani Kumar’s House Demolished After Arrest in Rajasthan
#WATCH | Punjab: House of the man, accused of shooting anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota, being demolished in Mansa. Police personnel are present at the spot.
The accused was arrested from Churu, Rajasthan earlier today. https://t.co/UOl9AmkKWG
— ANI (@ANI) October 14, 2026
Imagine the law and order situation in Punjab
First, anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota was shot dead in broad daylight by a medical shop owner, on camera
Then, an angry crowd set the medical shop on fire in broad daylight and celebrated it
Both incidents show how much fear people have of the police and the law in Punjab https://t.co/IfTddEqSvm
— Prayag (@theprayagtiwari) October 14, 2026
Mob Attacks Accused’s Shop as Tensions Continue
The demolition of Kumar’s house came amid escalating unrest in Mansa. On Wednesday, an angry crowd vandalised his medical store near the main railway crossing and set it on fire. Reports said some people used an earth-moving machine to demolish the shop. Parminder Jhota's Father Seeks Security for Family, Vows to Continue Fight Against Drugs.
A large police contingent was deployed to maintain law and order. The situation remained tense as protesters demanded justice for Jhota and action against those responsible for his death. Mansa was also observing a shutdown for the second consecutive day, according to reports. Protesters had refused to perform Jhota’s last rites until their demands were addressed.
Who Was Parvinder Singh Jhota?
Parvinder Singh Jhota was known for campaigning against drug abuse in Punjab and raising concerns about the alleged sale of addictive and prohibited substances through medical stores. His killing has renewed public scrutiny of the state’s efforts to tackle drug abuse and the broader law-and-order situation.
Punjab political leaders across party lines have criticised the state government following the murder. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has also scheduled a review meeting on October 16 to assess the state’s anti-drug campaign and law-and-order situation. Further developments in the murder investigation and the administration’s action are awaited.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 14, 2026 02:36 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
