India’s Ministry of Home Affairs is demanding an official report from the Punjab government following the high-profile killing of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in the district of Mansa.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah issued a statement on social media platform X condemning the killing, while also referencing a separate case involving a suicide under alleged pressure in Dirba. Shah highlighted corruption and intimidation allegations raised by Jhota’s family against the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and a state lawmaker, pointing to what he characterized as worsening threats from illicit narcotics, gangsterism, and organized crime across Punjab.

Shah questioned Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s administration over its handling of public safety, demanding an impartial investigation into potential political protection for local criminal networks. He reaffirmed commitments by the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to dismantle regional drug cartels. 

The shooting has triggered sharp political sparring between the BJP and AAP, giving opposition parties significant momentum to challenge the state government over its broader law-and-order record.