Punjab Bandh Today Live Updates: Mansa SHO Beant Kaur Suspended After Parvinder Singh ‘Jhota’ Murder as Shops Close Across Amritsar & Jalandhar, Bus Services Hit by Low Passenger Numbers

Punjab Bandh Today Live Updates: Punjab’s statewide bandh over the killing of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota brought markets, educational institutions and commercial areas to a standstill in several districts on Thursday, October 15. As protesters demanded accountability and thorough investigations, the Mansa district administration suspended City-2 Station House Officer (SHO) Inspector Beant Kaur.

Police also detained protesters gathered at Moga Chowk, while authorities stepped up security and worked to keep emergency services running. The shutdown affected road movement in several areas, although Punjab Roadways said it had not formally suspended bus service

Punjab Bandh Today: Mansa SHO Suspended After Jhota Murder

The suspension of Inspector Beant Kaur came amid growing pressure from protesters seeking justice for Jhota, who was shot dead in Mansa on October 13. The killing triggered widespread anger and demands for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the case. Jhota’s family and supporters have also questioned the authorities’ handling of the alleged drug trade in the area. 

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Mansa Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Vaibhav Chaudhary said investigators found that the pharmacy where Jhota was killed held a licence registered in the name of Neelam Rani, wife of the accused, Ashwani Kumar. Police have named Neelam and two other people in the case over their suspected roles. Investigators have also contacted licensing authorities to establish who held the licence for the firearm used in the shooting.

“We have nominated Neelam and two others in the case for their suspected roles in the crime. Communication has been sent to licensing authorities to verify whose name the pistol used to kill Jhota and injure four others was issued under,” he said.

The police investigation follows the fatal shooting at the medical store during a confrontation over the alleged sale of addictive medicines. Kumar was arrested in Rajasthan after the incident, which also left four other people injured, according to reports. 

Punjab Bandh Today Live Updates: Protesters Detained in Mansa

Protesters gathered at Moga Chowk in Mansa as part of the statewide shutdown. Police detained demonstrators at the site, while heavy security remained in place across the district to prevent tensions from escalating.