India
Punjab bandh shuts markets after Jhota murder
The Hindu··2d ago
Markets and private schools closed in several Punjab districts on October 15 after a bandh over the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota. Jhota was shot at a Mansa marketplace on October 13. Ashwani Kumar, the medical store owner accused of opening fire, was arrested from Rajasthan's Salasar. Emergency services remained open during the shutdown.
Prism
What It Means For You
- Shop closures and school holidays disrupted routine travel and trade in Hoshiarpur, Ferozepur, Mansa and other districts.
- Emergency services stayed operational during the shutdown call.
- Farmer groups and political parties backed the family's bandh appeal across the state.
What's Happening
- Jhota's family called the Punjab Bandh with support from Congress, Akali Dal, BJP and farmers' unions.
- In Amritsar, the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee demonstrated against the Aam Aadmi Party government.
- A joint action committee demanded resignations of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and DGP Gaurav Yadav and a CBI probe.
How the Killing Unfolded
- Jhota was known for opposing drug abuse and illegal sales of addictive substances at chemist shops.
- He was hosting a Facebook Live while questioning the store owner when the shooting occurred.
- Mann said the accused would face the strictest punishment and asked people to maintain peace.
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