📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Wilfredor
Crime
Punjab markets shut, highways jammed in protest over Jhotta murder; Mansa SHO suspended
✍️ Amar Ujala · Punjab
🗓 15 Oct 2026, 05:46 PM
👁 13
Protesters across several districts of Punjab blocked markets and national highways after the Jhotta murder case, leading to a suspension of the Mansa station house officer.
Several districts in Punjab witnessed a coordinated shutdown of markets and commercial establishments on Tuesday, as demonstrators gathered to protest the high‑profile Jhotta murder case. Vendors were instructed to keep shutters down, and foot traffic in town centres came to a halt.
The agitation spilled onto the road network, with groups attempting to block National Highways and state highways. The resulting congestion caused significant delays for commuters and freight traffic, prompting police to deploy additional personnel to clear the routes.
In response to the unrest, the Punjab police announced the suspension of the Station House Officer (SHO) of Mansa district. The officer was removed pending an internal inquiry into the handling of the case and the subsequent public outcry.
Authorities have appealed for calm and assured that law‑and‑order measures will be reinforced while the investigation into the murder proceeds, emphasizing that any unlawful obstruction of traffic will be dealt with according to the law.
The agitation spilled onto the road network, with groups attempting to block National Highways and state highways. The resulting congestion caused significant delays for commuters and freight traffic, prompting police to deploy additional personnel to clear the routes.
In response to the unrest, the Punjab police announced the suspension of the Station House Officer (SHO) of Mansa district. The officer was removed pending an internal inquiry into the handling of the case and the subsequent public outcry.
Authorities have appealed for calm and assured that law‑and‑order measures will be reinforced while the investigation into the murder proceeds, emphasizing that any unlawful obstruction of traffic will be dealt with according to the law.