Jhota Killing: Punjab BJP Plans Statewide Protests, Seeks CBI Probe and Mann's Exitਝੋਟਾ ਕਤਲ: ਭਾਜਪਾ ਦਾ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਭਰ ਵਿੱਚ ਧਰਨਿਆਂ ਦਾ ਐਲਾਨ, ਸੀਬੀਆਈ ਜਾਂਚ ਤੇ ਮਾਨ ਦੇ ਅਸਤੀਫ਼ੇ ਦੀ ਮੰਗ

Punjab BJP has announced district-level protests across the state on Wednesday over the killing of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa, demanding a CBI probe and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's resignation, The Tribune reported on October 13, 2026.

The political row grew through Tuesday as opposition leaders attacked the AAP government's law-and-order record and its "Yudh Nashian Virudh" anti-drug campaign. Earlier details of the shooting are in our [report on the killing](/news/punjab/anti-drug-activist-jhota-shot-dead-mansa-chemist-shop/).

What has the BJP demanded?

Punjab BJP president Kewal Singh Dhillon asked for the case to be handed to the Central Bureau of Investigation for an impartial probe and wrote to the authorities, The Tribune said. The party alleges law and order has collapsed under the AAP government.

What did other opposition leaders say?

Former state BJP chief Sunil Jakhar said Mann was accountable to Punjab and questioned the role of drug inspectors in curbing the sale of restricted medicines. Congress leader Amarinder Singh Raja Warring called the killing a "direct result" of alleged failure of law and order, and Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal also criticised the government, according to The Tribune, Republic and The New Indian Express. Former Union minister Ravneet Singh Bittu climbed the gate of Mansa Civil Hospital after being denied entry, the Tribune reported.

How has the government responded?

CM Mann has called a high-level meeting on law and order and asked that SSPs, SDMs and DSPs of all districts be summoned, with a focus on swift action in murder cases, The Tribune and Babushahi reported, citing the CMO. Police have said they identified the accused and launched a search.

What did Moosewala's father say?

Balkaur Singh said one "Jhota" was taken in 2022 and another in 2026, recalling that Sidhu Moosewala was also known by that nickname, and called Parvinder a gentle person fighting drugs.

Why does the killing matter politically?

Jhota had accused some Mansa medical stores of selling restricted capsules. His death has put the drug campaign and law and order at the centre of the run-up to Punjab's elections. The allegations are political claims and the investigation is ongoing.

When are the BJP protests?

District-level protests are planned for Wednesday, October 14, 2026.

Is a CBI probe ordered?

No. The BJP has demanded one; the state government has not agreed so far, per available reports.