CBI Takes Over Parvinder Singh Jhota Murder Probe as Family and Opposition Demand Punjab CM's Resignation

The Central Bureau of Investigation has taken over the murder investigation of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Punjab's Mansa district. A CBI team arrived at the Mansa police station on Tuesday night, October 20, 2026, to collect case records and seizures.

Demands and Reactions

Following the CBI takeover, Jhota's family members and opposition parties on Wednesday demanded the resignation of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The BJP's Punjab unit backed this call and urged the state government to transfer the cases of Gulzar Singh and Bikramjit Singh to the CBI as well. Punjab BJP President Kewal Singh Dhillon stated that Union Home Minister Amit Shah fulfilled his promise by launching the CBI probe. Leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa criticized the Chief Minister for failing to maintain law and order and announced that the Congress party will firmly demand Mr. Mann's resignation during the upcoming Assembly session starting October 22.

Investigation Details

Jhota was shot dead on October 13 at a local medical store in Mansa, triggering public outrage. The CBI team, led by a senior DIG, is expected to examine the victim's family, while forensic experts and drug controllers have also reached the area. Jhota's post-mortem is scheduled at the Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research in Chandigarh, followed by inquest proceedings by a Magistrate. However, the family and the Insaf Committee have refused to cremate the body until all their demands are met. An earlier three-member IPS team had discussed a 14-point demand letter with the committee and family, with officials noting that action has been initiated on major demands.

Context

The CBI functions as India's premier investigative agency, handling high-profile criminal and corruption cases across states when referred by governments or courts. Anti-drug activists in Punjab often face severe risks due to their work against local narcotics networks, making high-profile murders subjects of intense political debate over state security and law enforcement.