The Punjab government has overhauled the senior police administration in Mansa district as public outrage and ongoing demonstrations continue following the killing of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota.

According to a notification issued by the Special Director General of Police (Headquarters), deputy superintendents of police (DSPs) in all three sub-divisions of Mansa district have been transferred. Gurpartap Singh, previously posted at the command centre in Fatehgarh Sahib, has been appointed as the new DSP for the Mansa sub-division. He replaces Harjinder Singh Gill, who was suspended earlier alongside temporary charge-holder Pushpinder Singh Gill.

In addition, Harvinder Singh Saran moves from Bathinda Rural to become DSP of Sardulgarh, while Sarabjit Singh Brar transfers from Bathinda’s special branch to lead the Budhlada sub-division. Budhlada’s former DSP, Sikander Singh, has been reassigned to Ladda Kothi in Sangrur. Three superintendents of police (SPs) have also been temporarily stationed in Mansa to maintain order.

The administrative reshuffle comes amid escalating protests triggered by the Oct. 13 fatal shooting of Jhota, leader of a local anti-drug task force. Jhota was killed in a market after confronting a medical store owner, identified as Ashwani Kumar, over allegations of illegally selling habit-forming drugs.

A 5-minute, 48-second livestream recorded on Jhota's Facebook page during the incident captured an intense argument inside the pharmacy before multiple gunshots were fired.

Jhota was a prominent crusader against substance abuse in the region, known for directly confronting suspected drug traffickers and urging local village councils to pass anti-drug resolutions.