New Delhi: Punjab has reported the killings of two anti-drug activists within two days, with both incidents allegedly linked to objections raised against the sale of narcotic substances.
Bikramjit Singh, 40, was killed in Pannawan village in the Shri Hargobindpur area after he and two others reportedly objected to the sale of drugs. According to police, the three were attacked with a sharp-edged weapon. Singh died at the scene, while the other two sustained serious injuries.
In a separate incident in Mansa, anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota was shot dead inside a medical store while broadcasting a Facebook Live session. Jhota was known for campaigning against drug abuse and the alleged illegal sale of addictive medicines at chemist shops.
According to reports, Jhota had confronted medical store owner Ashwani Kumar over the alleged sale of addictive drugs to an elderly customer before Kumar allegedly opened fire.
Police subsequently arrested Kumar from Salasar in Rajasthan following a search operation.
The two killings have brought renewed attention to the risks faced by individuals campaigning against drug abuse and the illegal narcotics trade in Punjab. The incidents have also raised concerns about the safety of those who challenge alleged drug-related activities.
Police investigations into the cases are expected to establish the precise circumstances and motives behind the attacks.
