Bathinda: Bhim Singh, the father of slain anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota, on Monday publicly opposed the Insaaf Committee’s decision to block Union home minister Amit Shah’s visit to Mansa on Tuesday.
Police have arrested Kumar and three accomplices. The family and committee continue to demand a CBI inquiry and strict action against local police for delayed response following the murder. Jhota was shot dead on October 13, allegedly by pharmacy store owner Ashwani Kumar, whom the family accuses of operating a drug cartel.
Moving forward, the family announced that Jhota’s widow, Manpreet Kaur, will represent them at all future decision-making meetings regarding the agitation. “I am thankful for Amit Shah’s statement that my son’s sacrifice will not go to waste. “I urge the Union minister to visit us at the dharna site, just as other leaders have done.
Speaking to reporters, Bhim Singh said the committee, which has led protests for justice since Jhota was shot dead on October 13, decided to oppose the minister’s visit without consulting the family.
Opposing his visit would disown Jhota’s cause and disrespect our family,” said Bhim Singh, an ex-serviceman. He said while his family welcomes support from across the political spectrum, they strictly exclude the ruling AAP. My home is too modest to host him properly,” he said, distancing himself from the committee’s stance.
The rift surfaced after leftist leader Rajwinder Singh Rana held a press conference on Sunday night along with Insaaf Committee members, declaring they would not allow Shah near the dharna site and would pressure the family to decline a meeting.
He reiterated his demand for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe, warning that the AAP-led Punjab government could tamper with evidence to protect a deep-rooted narcotics cartel.
