Murder of activist Parminder Jhota triggers political crisis in Punjab

Opposition figures, including former Punjab Congress president Raja Warring and Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Badal, have characterized the assassination as a symptom of a deep-seated 'jungle raj.' Critics argue that the state’s high-profile 'Yudh Nashean Virudh' initiative has devolved into a publicity stunt, failing to dismantle the entrenched nexus between corrupt officials and the drug trade. Bikram Singh Majithia alleged that Jhota was targeted specifically while documenting illicit activities, accusing the current administration of criminal negligence.

BJP leader Ravneet Singh Bittu further questioned the oversight of the Home portfolio held by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, suggesting the state has become a haven for emboldened criminal elements. In response to the growing backlash, AAP leader Baltej Pannu stated that the primary suspect is a local chemist shop owner. He promised that the administration would pursue the case rigorously and maintained that no individual would be permitted to circumvent the law.