Chandigarh [India], October 15 : Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader and former Punjab minister Bikramjit Singh Majithia on Thursday blamed the Bhagwant Mann-led government for the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota and extended support to the statewide bandh called over the killing.
Calling the incident a case of “too little, too late”, Majithia alleged that timely action against the Station House Officer (SHO) and Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), whom he accused of supporting the drug mafia, could have saved Jhota’s life.
Speaking to ANI, Majithia said, “Had timely action been taken against the SHO and the DSP, who were supporting the drug mafia, Parvinder Jhota would still be alive today.”
He also questioned the timing of the demolition of Jhota’s house and shop using a JCB, asking why the action had not been taken earlier.
“The drama that unfolded yesterday—his house and shop were demolished using a JCB. Why wasn't this done sooner? He questioned.
Majithia said the SAD, along with other political parties, had extended support to the bandh, claiming that the issue affected households across the state. He described Jhota as a rallying point for public anger and said people were now demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
“We have extended our full support to the bandh called today—the SAD, along with all other political parties, has expressed its support. The general public supports this, as it affects every single household on a daily basis. This is a failure of the government, and Parvinder Jhota has emerged as a rallying point—a tipping point. People are now saying, 'Bhagwant Mann must go!' It is a clear failure on the part of Bhagwant Mann," he said.
Meanwhile, shops and commercial establishments remained closed in several markets in Mohali following the statewide shutdown called over Jhota’s murder.
Mohali Deputy Superintendent of Police Harsimran Singh Bal said comprehensive security arrangements had been made under the guidance of Senior Superintendent of Police Varun Sharma to maintain law and order and ensure smooth traffic movement.
He said officers, including SPs, DSPs and SHOs, had been deployed at key locations across the district. Traffic diversions were put in place near Sohana Gurudwara Sahib, where protesters had gathered.
"Under the guidance of the SSP, Varun Sharma, comprehensive arrangements have been put in place. Various officers, including SPs, DSPs, and SHOs, have been deployed at key locations to ensure that traffic continues to flow smoothly. In my jurisdiction, they are protesting near the Sohana Gurudwara Sahib; we have implemented traffic diversions there to keep traffic moving properly,” he said.
Bal estimated that around 1,500 police personnel from Mohali district had been deployed across the district.
In Amritsar, Punjab Roadways General Manager Paramjit Singh said bus services had not been formally halted, but buses were not operating on routes due to the absence of passengers at the bus stand.
"No, we have not halted any services. Since the public is not arriving at the bus stand, and no one is coming to travel, the buses are not going,” he said.
“Our primary duty is to serve the people, and our staff is prepared to do so,” Singh said, adding that drivers and conductors were present with their buses and services would operate if passengers arrived. He said the decision was also aimed at avoiding financial losses to the government.
“Some buses have already been deployed, but due to the lack of passengers, we want to avoid any financial loss for the government. Therefore, drivers and conductors are present with their buses; if passengers arrive, we will certainly operate the buses," he added.
Amritsar Commissioner of Police Harmanbir Singh Gill said the situation was under control and protesters and associations were cooperating with the police.
"Everything is going well... We have not allowed anyone to take the law into their hands, nor will we allow it,” he said.
He said people could continue their routine work and warned that strict action would be taken against anyone attempting to disturb law and order.
“People can continue their routine work... We are getting cooperation from all the protestors and associations... If anyone tries to disturb the law and order, strict action will be taken," he added.
Earlier, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann termed Jhota's killing unfortunate and assured that those responsible would face the strictest punishment. He said he had directed the DGP to ensure a thorough investigation and that anyone involved in the alleged conspiracy would not be spared.
Punjab Police, in a joint operation with Rajasthan Police, arrested the alleged main shooter from Salasar in Rajasthan on Wednesday.
According to Salasar SHO Shankar Lal Bhari, the accused was apprehended from Shri Ganganagar Dharamshala near the Salasar Balaji Temple, where he was reportedly hiding in disguise. The Punjab Police team subsequently took the accused into custody, and further investigation into the case is underway.
The statewide bandh call followed demands by Jhota's family and various organisations for accountability and an independent investigation into his killing.