Jhota case: Committee rejects talks with officers, seeks meeting with ministers and Chief Secretary

The committee demanding justice in the murder case of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota has refused to hold further talks with the police and administrative officials of the Punjab government. The committee has clarified that it will now hold meetings only with an official panel involving cabinet ministers and the Chief Secretary.

In Mansa, three members of the committee, including the deceased activist's father Bhim Singh, met ADGP Gautam Cheema, Bathinda Range DIG Harjit Singh, and senior IAS officer Kulwant Singh Dhuri. Clarifying their stand to the officials, the committee leaders stated that they would only talk to a committee that has the authority to make decisions regarding their demands.

Committee member Rajwinder Singh Rana said that this meeting was only to convey their decision to the government. He suggested that Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan, Health Minister Balbir Singh, Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian, and Chief Secretary K.A.P. Sinha should hold direct talks with them.

According to Rajwinder Singh Rana, the committee is demanding the cancellation of cases registered over the past few days, and if this demand is not met, talks will serve no purpose. He said that if they are not heard, the committee will proceed with its program to picket Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's residence in Sangrur on November 5.

On the other hand, ADGP Gautam Cheema stated that the discussion with the committee has been positive and further talks with government representatives could take place. He said that the government will consider the 12 demands submitted by the committee.

Notably, Parvinder Singh Jhota was murdered on October 13. Earlier, the government had formed a committee of three women IAS officers, but committee leaders alleged that such committees are of no use as they lack decision-making powers.

Key developments

• Jhota Insaaf Committee rejects talks with administrative and police officials
• Demands formation of an official committee at the level of ministers and Chief Secretary
• Puts forward the condition to cancel recently registered cases
• Warns of picketing CM's Sangrur residence on November 5 if talks fail