JMM MLA Hemlal Murmu slams BJP for glorifying criminal Surya Hansda as tribal icon

Ranchi: Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) MLA Hemlal Murmu has strongly criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for attempting to portray Surya Hansda—a man with a long criminal history—as a tribal hero. Addressing a press conference, Murmu accused BJP leaders of trying to manipulate public sentiment by using Hansda’s tribal identity for political gain.

“Surya Hansda was a tribal by birth and will remain one, but it does not change the fact that he was a criminal,” said Murmu. “Crime has no caste, no religion. A criminal must be seen as a criminal.”

Murmu outlined Hansda’s involvement in a series of serious crimes dating back to 2003. He claimed that Hansda was first implicated in a murder case in Jharna Colony over a panchayat rivalry. Over the years, Hansda was allegedly involved in multiple murders, kidnappings, and extortion cases across districts like Godda, Deoghar, and Sahebganj. Among the victims were political figures, contractors, businessmen, and even a school teacher, with many cases registered under various serious sections of the Indian Penal Code, including murder, kidnapping for ransom, and armed robbery, along with charges under the Arms Act.

According to Murmu, over 20 major cases were filed against Hansda, with numerous charge sheets submitted between 2003 and 2010. He pointed out that in one case, Hansda was accused of firing repeatedly at a JMM block president after he refused to pay extortion money. In another instance, a man was allegedly shot dead in broad daylight while drinking tea at a roadside shop.

Responding to criticism from BJP over the location of Hansda’s police encounter—which took place in Godda, although Hansda was from Deoghar—Murmu drew comparisons to other high-profile cases. “Where was Vikas Dubey arrested from? He was killed near Kanpur. Atiq Ahmed was brought all the way from Sabarmati Jail in Gujarat and encountered near Prayagraj. These things happen. Why raise questions only when it comes to this case?” he asked.

Murmu asserted that BJP was desperately trying to create a tribal symbol out of a man with no history of public service or leadership. “When they run out of ground, they try to build narratives around criminals. There is no proof that Surya Hansda was a leader or social reformer. His record is filled with violence, not public welfare.”

He urged media and public not to fall for what he called a politically motivated attempt to rewrite the legacy of a criminal for vote-bank politics.