Punjab Anti-Drug Activist Shot Dead in Mansa After Confronting Chemist
Parvinder Singh, a prominent campaigner against substance abuse, was killed in broad daylight during a heated argument outside a medical store in Mansa.
News Desk · October 14, 2026 · 1 min read
An anti-drug campaigner was shot dead on Tuesday morning outside a chemist shop in Punjab's Mansa district, triggering sharp political reactions and public anger over local law and order. The victim, identified as Parvinder Singh alias Jhota, sustained fatal bullet injuries during a confrontation with the medical store owner over the alleged sale of restricted intoxicating substances.
According to local police, the incident took place in a busy commercial area of Mansa town. Singh, accompanied by a few associates, went to the pharmacy to question the owner regarding the unauthorized distribution of drugs to individuals. The verbal altercation quickly escalated, during which the store owner opened fire. Singh received multiple bullet wounds and was rushed to the local civil hospital, where attending doctors pronounced him dead upon arrival.
The final moments of the confrontation were captured on video, including a live broadcast on social media platforms showing parts of the heated exchange. Police officials stated that four companions of the activist also sustained injuries during the episode. Following the shooting, the primary accused, identified as Ashwani Kumar, fled the scene.
Bathinda Range Deputy Inspector General Harjit Singh confirmed that multiple police teams had been deployed to track down the absconding suspect. Authorities subsequently made their first breakthrough in the investigation by arresting an alleged aide of the main accused, while questioning of connected individuals continued late into the evening.
The killing drew immediate condemnation from opposition parties across the state. Political leaders criticized the administration over safety concerns surrounding individuals who openly challenge the narcotics trade. The victim was widely known across the region for mobilizing local residents against pharmaceutical drug abuse and regularly posting documentation of his interventions online.
Family members and local supporters gathered in large numbers following the incident, expressing anguish over the security climate. Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies increased patrols in the district to maintain public order as investigations into the background of the confrontation and the firearms involved progress.