1 min readUpdated: Oct 14, 2026 02:21 PM ISTBulldozer action was initiated against the house of accused chemist Ashwini Kumar following public outrage over anti-drug activist Parminder Singh Jhota’s murder. (Phto/PTI)A day after an anti-drug activist was shot dead in Punjab’s Mansa, allegedly by a medicine shop owner, a mob on Wednesday brought in a bulldozer and razed the medicine shop before lighting a fire. The murder accused has been arrested in Rajasthan, police have said, adding that he was being brought back to Mansa.Parvinder Singh Jhota, who ran a campaign against illegal sale of drugs at chemist stores, was shot dead on camera when he confronted Ashwani Kumar, a medical shop owner, on Tuesday morning. Jhota confronted Kumar while recording a Facebook Live video. Kumar was seen threatening him with a firearm before opening fire. Jhota died in the shooting, and his associate suffered injuries.© The Indian Express Pvt LtdKamaldeep Singh Brar is a Principal Correspondent at The Indian Express, primarily covering Amritsar and the Majha region of Punjab. He is one of the publication's key reporters for stories involving the Akal Takht, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), and the sensitive socio-political issues of the border districts. Core Beats & Specializations Religious & Panthic Affairs: He has deep expertise in the internal workings of the Akal Takht and SGPC, frequently reporting on religious sentences (Tankhah), Panthic politics, and the influence of Sikh institutions. National Security & Crime: His reporting covers cross-border drug smuggling, drone activities from Pakistan, and the activities of radical groups. Regional Politics: He is the primary correspondent for the Majha belt, covering elections and political shifts in Amritsar, Tarn Taran, and Gurdaspur. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His work in late 2025 has been centered on judicial developments, local body elections, and religious controversies: 1. Religious Politics & Akal Takht "Akal Takht pronounces religious sentences against former Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh" (Dec 8, 2025): Covering the historic decision to hold the former Jathedar guilty for granting a pardon to Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim in 2015. "YouTube suspends SGPC’s channel for a week over video on 1984 Army action" (Nov 20, 2025): Reporting on the digital friction between global tech platforms and Sikh religious bodies. "As AAP govt grants Amritsar holy tag, a look at its fraught demand" (Nov 28, 2025): An analytical piece on the long-standing demand for declaring Amritsar a "holy city" and its political implications. 2. Crime & National Security "Mostly Khalistanis on Amritpal’s hit list: Punjab govt to High Court" (Dec 16, 2025): Reporting on the state government's claims regarding jailed MP Amritpal Singh orchestrating activity from prison. "Punjab man with links to Pakistan’s ISI handlers killed in encounter" (Nov 20, 2025): Detailing a police operation in Amritsar involving "newly refurbished" firearms likely sent from across the border. "15 schools in Amritsar get bomb threat emails; police launch probe" (Dec 12, 2025): Covering the panic and police response to mass threats against educational institutions. 3. Political Analysis & Elections "AAP wins 12 of 15 zones in SAD stronghold Majitha" (Dec 19, 2025): Highlighting a significant shift in the 2025 rural elections where the Akali Dal lost its grip on a traditional fortress. "Tarn Taran bypoll: woman faces threats after complaining to CM Mann about drug menace" (Nov 9, 2025): A ground report on the personal risks faced by citizens speaking out against the illegal drug trade in border villages. "AAP wins Tarn Taran bypoll, but SAD finds silver lining" (Nov 14, 2025): Analyzing the 2025 assembly by-election results and the surprising performance of Independents backed by radical factions. 4. Human Interest "Two couples and a baby: Punjab drug addiction tragedy has new victims" (Nov 20, 2025): A tragic investigative piece about parents selling an infant to fund their addiction. "Kashmiri women artisans debut at Amritsar’s PITEX" (Dec 8, 2025): A feature on financial independence initiatives for rural women at the Punjab International Trade Expo. Signature Beat Kamaldeep is known for his nuanced understanding of border dynamics. His reporting often highlights the "drug crisis in the underprivileged localities" (like Muradpur in Tarn Taran, Nov 9, 2025), providing a voice to marginalized communities affected by addiction and administrative neglect. X (Twitter): @kamalsbrar ... Read MoreStay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on InstagramAdvertisementLoading Recommendations...Oct 14: Latest News0111 minors die as boat capsizes in Ganga in Bihar’s Vaishali02Denmark Open Super 750: Sindhu crashes out, Srikanth & Tanvi advance to Round 20310 artisans, 90 days, 2000 hours: The making of Isha Ambani’s Radha-Krishna inspired Navratri ensemble04Durga Puja, Diwali, Chhath rush: Indian Railways to operate 3.4 lakh regular train trips, notifies 8,000+ special trips05A century on my Ranji Trophy debut gives a lot of confidence: Vihaan MalhotraAdvertisementLive BlogUS-Iran War Live News Updates | Iran executes monarchist convicted of armed attacks in Kerman10 minutes agoDelhi Protest Live Updates: CJP’s Dipke leaves for Delhi after police arrests Ashutosh Ranka, Saurav Das13 minutes agoIndia news Live Updates, 14 October 2026: Rahul Gandhi’s call for evidence to ‘punish’ those behind Delhi crackdown13 minutes agoUS-Iran War Highlights | ‘We would know very fast’: Trump says China, Russia not helping Iran4 hours agoIndia news Highlights, 13 October 2026: BJP women MPs meet President, seek action against Congress MP over sexual harassment allegations18 hours agoAdvertisement