Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a fresh FIR in the murder case of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota and recorded statements of his family members in Mansa, Punjab. The agency’s team visited the family’s residence before returning to the Mandi Board Rest House.
According to sources, the CBI wants Jhotta’s post-mortem examination to be conducted at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh. However, when the team arrived to shift the body to Chandigarh, Nihang Sikhs reached the spot and opposed the move.
Sources said the CBI had convinced the family to agree to the post-mortem examination. However, Jhotta’s family members declined to make any public statement. Subsequently, Nihangs surrounded the Mansa Civil Hospital and insisted that the post-mortem should not be conducted.
CBI Team Reached Mansa at Midnight
CBI team arrived in Mansa late Tuesday night. It visited the police station and took possession of records and evidence related to the case.
A CBI spokesperson said the investigation was underway under the leadership of a senior Deputy Inspector General (DIG).
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced on October 20 that the investigation into Jhota’s murder would be handed over to the CBI. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who was on a visit to Punjab, also assured the activist’s family that the case would be investigated thoroughly.
Family’s Protest Enters Ninth Day
The protest by Jhota’s family has entered its ninth day, and the post-mortem examination has not yet been conducted. His father, Bhim Singh, has said the family will not cremate the body.
The family has continued its protest while awaiting further action in the case.
Parvinder Singh Jhota was allegedly shot dead by chemist Ashwini Kumar on October 13. The case has attracted attention amid demands for a thorough investigation into the killing of the anti-drug activist.
