Mansa district in Punjab is on edge after a mob, including some Nihangs, vandalised and set on fire the shop of Ashwani Kumar, the accused in the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota. The shop is located near the main railway crossing in Mansa.
The attack took place a day after Jhota was shot dead. The mob used iron rods, sticks and swords to attack the shop. An earth-moving machine stationed nearby was then used to demolish the structure before it was set ablaze.
Mansa Mob Attack: What Happened at the Accused's Shop
The mob targeted Ashwani Kumar's shop with heavy force. According to the original report, the shop was attacked with iron rods, sticks and swords before an earth-moving machine stationed nearby was used to demolish it. The shop was then set on fire.
A large number of police personnel were present at the spot to maintain law and order. Sources said a nearby shop had reportedly been vacated ahead of the attack.
District Administration Demolishes Part of Accused's House
The district administration also demolished the front portion of Ashwani Kumar's house in Veer Nagar. This action came alongside the mob attack on his shop.
The FIR in the case, filed by Parvinder Jhota's father, states that Ashwani shot his son in front of him. This detail has added to the anger in the area.
Our Take: Mansa Violence Shows Anger, But Also Raises Questions
In our view, the attack on the accused's shop and the demolition of his house show how much anger the murder of Parvinder Singh Jhota has caused in Mansa. Jhota was an anti-drug activist, and his death has clearly shaken the community.
To put it plainly, while the anger is understandable, mob violence and property destruction are not the answer. The police were present at the spot, yet the shop was demolished and set on fire. This raises serious questions about law and order in the district.
The district administration's decision to demolish part of the accused's house also sends a confusing message. If the accused is in custody, the legal process should take its course. If he is not, the police should focus on arresting him rather than allowing crowds to take the law into their own hands.
For readers in Punjab, this news matters because it shows how drug-related violence and vigilantism can spiral. The state needs to ensure that justice for Parvinder Jhota comes through the courts, not through mobs on the street.
We believe the priority now should be a fair investigation into Jhota's murder and strict action against those who took part in the vandalism. Both are needed to restore calm in Mansa.
