Three-Woman IAS Panel—Kanwalpreet Kaur Brar, Apneet Riyat and Navjot Kaur—Fails to Break Deadlock in Jhota Killing Case; Family Sticks to Nine Demands

A three-member panel of women IAS officers deputed by the Punjab government met the family of slain anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota and representatives of the action committee on Monday, but the discussions ended without a breakthrough. The panel comprises Faridkot Divisional Commissioner Kanwalpreet Kaur Brar, IAS officer Apneet Riyat and Mansa Deputy Commissioner Navjot Kaur. The meeting lasted nearly two hours, with the family and action committee remaining firm on their demands. Jhota’s father Bhim Singh, his wife Manpreet Kaur and action committee members attended the meeting. DIG Harjeet Singh and Mansa SSP Vaibhav Choudhary were also present. The family submitted a memorandum containing nine demands, including a CBI investigation into the killing, the resignation of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and DGP Gaurav Yadav, and action against police and Health Department officials. The action committee has also demanded the dismissal of the Mansa SSP, DSP, SHO and drug inspector, alleging failures in tackling the sale of intoxicating medicines and protecting those opposing it. Speaking after the meeting, Apneet Riyat said the panel had received the written demands and would meet the family and action committee again within a day or two. The family has also sought the installation of Jhota’s statue in Mansa and the naming of a trauma centre and the Khalsa College cricket ground after him. Riyat said those injured in the shooting were receiving free medical treatment and that financial assistance was under consideration. No specific amount was announced. The government deputed the civil officers after earlier efforts to initiate negotiations through police officials failed to make progress. The action committee had refused to hold talks with the police and continued to demand an independent investigation. Jhota was shot dead inside a medical store in Mansa on October 13, allegedly by its owner following a confrontation over the suspected sale of intoxicating medicines. His killing triggered protests and demands for accountability. His family and supporters have refused to allow a post-mortem examination and cremation until their demands for justice are addressed. Following Monday’s meeting, action committee members said the protest would continue. Meanwhile the talks came a day before Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s scheduled Punjab visit which has ended today. Bhim Singh has already met with home minister and Punjab govt has already accepted demand of CBI probe into the incident.