Milpitas, California, USA, October 13, 2026: The North American Punjabi Association (NAPA), through its Executive Director Satnam Singh Chahal, strongly condemns the killing of Parvinder Singh Jhota, an anti-drug activist from Mansa who had been raising his voice against drug abuse and the alleged illegal sale of intoxicating medicines in Punjab. His death is a deeply disturbing reminder of the risks faced by those who confront the drug menace and demand accountability.
According to media reports, Bathinda Range DIG Harjeet Singh has confirmed the first arrest in the case. Police say the arrested individual allegedly helped the main accused, Ashwani Kumar, flee after the shooting. The police have also stated that the killing appears to have resulted from an old personal rivalry, referring to a dispute dating back to 2023. The identity of the arrested person has not been publicly disclosed in the report. These are the police’s preliminary claims, and the complete circumstances must be established through a fair and transparent investigation.
NAPA believes that the murder must not be reduced to a routine criminal case or dismissed merely as the outcome of personal enmity. Investigators must establish the complete sequence of events, examine the available video evidence, determine the motive and circumstances of the shooting, and identify whether any other individuals were involved. The alleged role of every person must be examined according to law, and the guilty must face justice through the judicial process.
Satnam Singh Chahal said that Punjab has been struggling with the devastating consequences of drug abuse for years, while families continue to suffer and young people lose their lives and futures. When an individual campaigning against drugs is allegedly shot dead in broad daylight, it raises serious questions about public safety, the deterrent effect of law enforcement, and the protection available to citizens who raise concerns about illegal activities. The government cannot rely solely on slogans and campaigns; it must demonstrate measurable results through effective enforcement and accountability.
NAPA calls upon the Punjab Government and the police administration to ensure a thorough, impartial and time-bound investigation, arrest the principal accused, and bring all those found responsible before the law. The authorities must also investigate the allegations surrounding the sale of prohibited or controlled intoxicating medicines through lawful procedures and strengthen enforcement against drug trafficking and illegal pharmaceutical sales. Any security concerns involving other anti-drug activists should also be assessed promptly.
Chahal further emphasised that justice must be delivered without political interference, selective action or unnecessary delay. At the same time, public anger must remain peaceful, and nobody should take the law into their own hands. The rule of law must protect both the victim’s family and the wider public, while ensuring that the investigation is not compromised by pressure or speculation.
NAPA extends its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of Parvinder Singh Jhota and stands with all those seeking justice. His death must lead to serious action against the drug menace, not merely another round of statements and political accusations. The people of Punjab deserve answers, accountability and a credible strategy to protect those who speak out against drugs.