Postmortem of Parvinder Singh Jhota deferred, father announces hunger strike for Mansa SSP's transfer

The postmortem of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota's body could not be conducted at PGIMER Hospital in Chandigarh on Friday. Jhota's father, Bhim Singh, has announced a hunger strike demanding the transfer of Mansa SSP Vaibhav Chaudhary and an inquiry against him.

Ex-serviceman Bhim Singh stated that until their demand is met, he will only consume water and will not take any food. He alleged that the SSP is responsible for his son's death. He warned that if the Punjab Government does not listen to them, he will approach Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Bhim Singh has also rejected the government's offer of Rs 2 crore compensation and a government job for the family. Distressed by discussions on social media about raising funds in the family's name, he said the family never asked for any money. In Mansa, Jhota's mother Amarjit Kaur also said that they had never demanded any compensation or job.

On the other hand, ADGP Gautam Cheema, who is part of the government panel, said that no demand for the transfer of the Mansa SSP was raised during talks with the Insaaf Committee and this is Bhim Singh's personal view. He stated that according to information received from PGI, doctors will examine the situation on Saturday morning and the postmortem is likely to take place by 9 am.

Cabinet Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian said that he will resolve the issue by talking to the action committee and Bhim Singh. He assured that the matter will be settled through dialogue.

Notably, Parvinder Singh Jhota died on October 13 due to gunshot wounds in Mansa, after which his body was kept in a deep freezer. Following an agreement with the government, the body was brought to Chandigarh for postmortem on Thursday night.

Key developments

• Postmortem of Parvinder Singh Jhota could not take place at PGIMER Chandigarh on Friday.
• Father Bhim Singh started a hunger strike demanding the transfer of Mansa SSP.
• Family rejected the Rs 2 crore compensation and job offered by the government.
• According to police officials, the postmortem is likely to be conducted after inspection on Saturday morning.