New Delhi, 21 October (H.S.): The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken over the investigation into the murder of Parvinder Singh Jhota, an anti-drug campaigner in Punjab, and has begun contacting his family to gather information about the case.

After assuming charge of the investigation, a CBI team visited Jhota’s residence and met his family members. On Tuesday night, the team also visited the Mansa police station to take custody of police records and seized materials related to the case. The agency has issued a formal communication to the police in this regard.

On Wednesday, a CBI team led by a senior Deputy Inspector General (DIG) met the victim’s family to hear their account of the incident. The officers visited Jhota’s home, enquired about the family’s well-being and gathered relevant details concerning the case.

Forensic experts, drug-control officials and other specialists are also expected to reach Mansa as part of the investigation.

A team of specialists at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh will conduct the post-mortem examination. Investigative proceedings will also be carried out in Chandigarh under the supervision of a magistrate.

Following its interaction with the family, the CBI will proceed with examining the facts and evidence associated with the case.

Jhota was shot dead on October 13 inside a medical store in a market in Mansa. He had been raising his voice against the alleged illegal sale of narcotic and other intoxicating medicines at medical stores. At the time of the incident, he was broadcasting live on social media.

Medical store operator Ashwini Kumar was arrested in connection with the murder.

Jhota’s family had demanded an independent investigation into the case. Subsequently, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced on October 20 that the investigation would be handed over to the CBI. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also met the family on Tuesday.

The CBI will now investigate all aspects of the murder as it takes forward the probe into the case.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar