Diljit Dosanjh Calls Jhota a Martyr; Harsimrat, Father Seek CBI Probeਦਿਲਜੀਤ ਨੇ ਝੋਟਾ ਨੂੰ ਸ਼ਹੀਦ ਕਿਹਾ; ਹਰਸਿਮਰਤ ਤੇ ਪਿਤਾ ਵੱਲੋਂ ਸੀਬੀਆਈ ਜਾਂਚ ਦੀ ਮੰਗ

Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh has called slain anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota a martyr and demanded justice for his family, as the Mansa killing keeps drawing support from Punjab's film and music world and fresh political demands for a CBI probe on Monday, October 19, 2026.

What did Diljit Dosanjh say?

Dosanjh shared a picture of Jhota on Instagram and wrote: "Shaheed Parvinder Singh. The entire Punjab is with the family in this hour of grief. The family should get justice," PTI reported, in stories carried by The Hindu and Rediff.

Who else has backed the family?

Actress Neeru Bajwa said on Sunday she had put her new Punjabi film "Thaapi", which released on October 16, on hold amid the outrage. Singer Babbu Mann visited the protest site in Mansa on Sunday and praised Jhota's fight against drugs, according to PTI.

What are the political demands?

Shiromani Akali Dal MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal wrote to Union Home Minister Amit Shah seeking a CBI probe into the murder and a wider inquiry into an alleged nexus between politicians, police and the drug trade, The New Indian Express reported. Jhota's father, Bhim Singh, said he would raise the demand for a CBI probe with Shah when the minister visits on Tuesday, October 20, Daily Excelsior reported.

A joint action committee formed after the killing is also demanding resignations of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and DGP Gaurav Yadav. The Tribune reported that the committee asked protesters to hand "lahnat pattars" (letters of shame) with nine demands to AAP MLAs and ministers between noon and 3 pm, without confronting them.

What is the status of the case?

Jhota was shot on October 13 inside a medical store in Mansa while hosting a Facebook Live, after he questioned the owner over alleged sale of addictive drugs to an elderly man. Police took the store owner, Ashwani Kumar, into custody from Salasar in Rajasthan. Six days on, the post-mortem and cremation had not taken place, as the family and supporters refuse last rites until their demands are met. The committee has also objected to Shah's visit, while the father has welcomed it.

Why are celebrities backing Jhota?

Punjab's singers and actors have said the fight against drugs matters more than their work. Bajwa said cinema can never be greater than the people.

Who is demanding a CBI probe into Jhota's murder?

The action committee, SAD MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Jhota's father have all sought a CBI probe.

Has the Jhota family cremated him?

No. As of October 19 the family had refused last rites until justice is delivered.