Chandigarh: Authorities in Punjab’s Mansa took bulldozer action against the house of Ashwani Kumar, the main accused in the murder of anti-drug activist Parwinder Singh Jhota, on October 14, following Kumar’s arrest in Rajasthan.

Kumar, who owns a medical store in Mansa, was arrested in Salasar, Rajasthan, after allegedly fleeing following the shooting. Jhota was killed on October 13 after a confrontation with Kumar over the alleged sale of prohibited and addictive substances at his shop.

The killing triggered widespread anger in Mansa, with Jhota’s supporters demanding swift action against those responsible. Protests followed, and supporters reportedly vandalised Kumar’s medical store. The incident also sparked political criticism of the Punjab government over the state’s drug problem and law-and-order situation.

Jhota had been campaigning against drug abuse and had previously accused certain medical stores of selling prohibited substances. His dispute with Kumar reportedly dated back to 2023, when Jhota confronted the chemist over alleged drug sales.

The murder has intensified calls for action against drug trafficking and stronger protection for people campaigning against substance abuse. Opposition leaders have criticised the state government, while the ruling Aam Aadmi Party has described the killing as stemming from personal enmity and condemned the incident. The case remains under investigation.