The statewide Punjab bandh called on Thursday to protest the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota impacted normal life across several districts, giving rise to tense standoffs and traffic disruptions.
The shutdown was organised to demand justice and accountability following allegations by Jhota’s father, Bhim Singh, that police ignored repeated complaints regarding drug peddling in the region.
Amid mounting public anger, Punjab Police suspended Inspector Beant Kaur, Station House Officer (SHO) of Mansa’s City Police Station-2, with immediate effect. DIG Harjit Singh affirmed that strict disciplinary action would be taken against any police personnel found guilty of negligence.
The shutdown led to friction across multiple cities. In Ludhiana’s Chaura Bazaar, sharp disputes broke out between bandh supporters and local shopkeepers. Meanwhile, in Faridkot, protesters detained a young man after allegedly finding suspected ammunition in his possession, handing him over to law enforcement. Demonstrators also staged a blockade on the Chandigarh-Kharar highway, forcing police vehicles to turn back.
Police forces remain deployed across key transport corridors and commercial hubs as civil society groups demand systemic accountability regarding the circumstances surrounding Jhota’s fatal shooting.
