Amritsar: Senior police officer-turned-politician Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh has expressed serious concern over the law-and-order situation in Punjab following the killing of Parvinder Singh Jhota, alleging that the state’s situation has deteriorated and that lawlessness is prevailing.
In a statement shared during a Facebook Live session, Singh said, “ਪੰਜਾਬ ਦੇ ਵਿੱਚ ਹਾਲਾਤ ਬੇਕਾਬੂ… ਜੰਗਲ ਰਾਜ ਕਾਇਮ ਹੋ ਗਿਆ…” (The situation in Punjab is out of control, and a jungle raj has been established). Expressing grief over Jhota’s killing, he alleged that the killing was linked to Jhota’s outspoken opposition to drugs and the drug mafia.
Singh’s remarks have brought renewed attention to the safety of individuals who publicly campaign against drug abuse and alleged drug networks. Jhota was known for raising his voice against drugs, and his killing has intensified questions about public safety, police accountability and the effectiveness of the state’s anti-drug campaign.
The police have reportedly made an arrest in connection with the case and cited old enmity as the alleged motive. The police version and the investigation’s findings will be crucial in establishing the circumstances and motive behind the killing. Singh’s allegation that Jhota was targeted because of his anti-drug activism should be treated as an allegation unless supported by evidence emerging from the investigation.
The case has also renewed demands for a transparent investigation, accountability for those responsible and effective protection for people who raise concerns about drug trafficking. The central question remains whether the investigation will establish the motive behind Jhota’s killing and whether those responsible will be brought to justice.
Police version: The police may be given an opportunity to respond to the allegations and clarify the evidence gathered so far in the investigation.