MANSA: The Punjab government on Thursday replaced the Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) across all three sub-divisions of Mansa district — Mansa, Sardulgarh and Budhlada — amid continuing public agitation over the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota, The Unmute reported, citing an official notification issued by the Special DGP (Headquarters). A same-day headline listing by PunjabNews also reported the reshuffle.

According to the notification, Gurpartap Singh, who was serving as DSP Command Centre in Fatehgarh Sahib, has taken charge as DSP Sub-Division Mansa. Harvinder Singh Sran, earlier posted in Bathinda Rural, has been designated DSP Sardulgarh, while Sarabjit Singh Brar from Special Branch, Bathinda, takes charge as DSP Budhlada. Former Budhlada DSP Sikander Singh has been transferred to Ladda Kothi in Sangrur.

The changes follow the suspension of Mansa DSP Harjinder Singh Gill. Three Superintendent of Police (SP)-level officers have also been temporarily deployed in the district to reinforce law and order, the report said.

Why Mansa is on edge

Jhota, a prominent local campaigner who led anti-drug drives and persuaded multiple village panchayats to pass anti-drug resolutions, was shot dead on October 13 during a confrontation at a chemist shop in Mansa. His killing has triggered sustained protests, and his family and supporters have demanded action against officials and a fair investigation.

In earlier developments reported last week, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) took over the probe into the murder, and the Mansa sub-division DSP and a drug inspector were suspended. Authorities said the latest reassignments and the temporary deployment of senior officers are aimed at maintaining public order, ensuring impartial investigation proceedings and restoring administrative stability across the district.