Parvinder Singh Jhota, a 48‑year‑old activist from Mansa, was shot dead by chemist shop owner Ashwani on Oct. 13, 2023, and the suspect is in custody.
Jhota’s wife, Manjeet Kaur, said the family had repeatedly warned police about illegal drug sales in the area and demanded a CBI investigation after the murder.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced the suspensions on Wednesday, stating the state would not tolerate official inaction and pledged to fight drug traffickers.
The CBI has taken over the case, with investigators meeting Jhota’s family and reviewing evidence, and will conduct a forensic and administrative probe.
Opposition leaders, including BJP’s Nitin Gadkari, slammed the AAP government, demanding a full CBI inquiry and calling the state’s response inadequate.
The next step will see the CBI file charges if negligence is proven, and the Punjab government will be pressured to show accountability.