BJP National President Nitin Nabin on Tuesday criticised the Bhagwant Mann-led AAP government over the death of anti-drug activist Parminder Singh Jhota, questioning the safety of those fighting the drug menace in Punjab and demanding accountability over the incident.
In a post on X, Nabin alleged that despite the AAP government's promises to create a drug-free environment, those raising their voices against drugs were themselves facing threats to their lives.
The remarks came after Jhota was shot by a medical shop owner and later succumbed to his injuries at a hospital.
Following the incident, Jhota's father appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to provide security to his grandchildren, alleging that the Punjab government had failed to protect his son.
"The Punjab government did not provide him with any security. Nobody protected us. Now, even my grandchildren are at risk. I appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Home Minister to make arrangements for my grandchildren's security," he said.
Jhota's father also vowed to continue his fight against drugs in Punjab.
"We will continue fighting this war against drugs. As long as I am alive, I will also continue fighting against drugs in Punjab," he said.
Meanwhile, Punjab Police said preliminary investigations indicated that Jhota's killing was motivated by personal enmity.
Speaking to ANI, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Harjeet Singh said police had formed multiple teams to apprehend the prime suspect. He added that an associate of the suspect had been arrested, while family members had been detained for questioning.
"We received information about this earlier today. Preliminary investigations reveal that the incident was carried out by the shop owner, Ashwani. Ashwani possessed a licensed pistol, which he used to shoot Parminder Jhota—a Mansa-based anti-drug activist who had been doing significant work against the drug menace. Preliminary findings suggest the attack was motivated by personal enmity. We have formed various teams to apprehend the suspect; one of his associates has already been arrested, and his family members have been detained for questioning," Singh said.