Shops, schools and colleges remain closed in several districts; SHO suspended, inquiry recommended against DSP

Youth dies in Ludhiana during bandh after suffering electric shock while putting up a banner

Chandigarh, 15 October (H.S.): The Punjab bandh called on Thursday to protest the killing of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota witnessed a widespread response across several parts of the state. Markets and shops remained closed in many districts, while private schools and colleges in Ludhiana, Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Bathinda, Mansa and Jalandhar also remained shut. Traffic and normal life were affected as various organisations and farmer groups staged protests at several locations.

Parvinder Singh Jhota was allegedly shot dead by a chemist in Mansa on Wednesday. Jhota had been campaigning against drug abuse at his own level. The killing has triggered political reactions, with leaders of several political parties meeting his family. His last rites were not performed on Thursday, as his father, Bhim Singh, refused to accept the body and demanded a CBI probe into the case.

During the bandh, farmer organisations blocked national highways connecting Ludhiana, Bathinda and Mohali with Chandigarh to register their protest. Farmer leaders were reportedly taken into custody by police in Jalandhar, Bathinda and Faridkot.

Protesters also stopped police vehicles during a blockade on the Chandigarh-Kharar highway, following which police officials had to return to Chandigarh.

A tragic incident was reported from Sherpur Chowk in Ludhiana, where a youth died after suffering an electric shock while putting up a banner during the protest. The deceased was identified as Jasandeep Singh.

Meanwhile, Mansa SSP Vaibhav Chaudhary suspended Beant Kaur, SHO of Mansa City-2 police station, and sent her to the police lines. A recommendation has also been sent to the DGP’s office for an inquiry against DSP Harjinder Singh Gill.

SSP Vaibhav Chaudhary said the SHO had been sent to the police lines, while further action against the DSP would be decided at the police headquarters level.

The main accused, Ashwini Kumar, and Vipin Kumar, who is accused of helping him escape, were produced before a Mansa court through video conferencing on Thursday. The court remanded both accused in police custody for 10 days.

Meanwhile, Bathinda Range DIG Harjit Singh met Jhota’s family to discuss the last rites, but no agreement could be reached. The family continued to demand a CBI investigation into the killing.

The bandh affected normal life in several districts of Punjab, with markets, educational institutions and road traffic witnessing disruptions throughout the day.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH