Chandigarh: Anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh, popularly known as Jhota, was allegedly shot dead by a medical store owner in Punjab’s Mansa district on October 13, police said. Four of his companions reportedly sustained bullet injuries in the incident.

Singh was known for highlighting the alleged illegal sale of addictive and intoxicating drugs at chemist shops. According to police, he was questioning a medical store owner over the alleged sale of certain drugs to a man when an argument escalated into violence.

The activist was reportedly recording the confrontation on his mobile phone when the shopkeeper allegedly opened fire. A video of the incident, streamed live on Singh’s Facebook page, captured the heated exchange before shots were fired. Singh could reportedly be heard saying that the shopkeeper had taken out his pistol.

Singh was rushed to a hospital after being shot but succumbed to his injuries, police said.

His four companions, who also sustained bullet injuries during the shooting, were taken to the Civil Hospital in Mansa for treatment. Further details about their condition were not immediately available.

The confrontation reportedly arose from allegations that the medical store was illegally selling addictive substances. Singh had previously raised concerns about the alleged distribution of such drugs through certain chemist shops in the district.

The killing has once again brought attention to Punjab’s continuing concerns over drug abuse and the alleged illegal supply of intoxicating substances through medical outlets.

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including the events that led to the confrontation. Details regarding the accused, the motive behind the alleged shooting and possible legal action were awaited.