Jharkhand HC Criticizes Govt for Delay in Responding to Surya Hansda Encounter Case

Ranchi – The Jharkhand High Court on Friday expressed strong disapproval of the state government’s delay in submitting its response to a criminal writ petition demanding a CBI investigation into the alleged fake encounter of tribal leader Surya Hansda in Godda district.

During the hearing, a bench led by Justice Ambuj Nath gave the government a final one-week deadline to file its reply, stressing that such delays are unacceptable in matters of grave importance. Advocate Kumar Harsh represented the petitioner.

The petition was filed by Surya Hansda’s wife, Sushila Murmu, and his mother, Neelmuni Murmu. They allege that the police orchestrated the encounter and intentionally killed Surya. They have requested that an independent agency, preferably the CBI, be ordered to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation.

According to the petition, the Godda police misrepresented Surya’s death as an encounter, while the family claims he was eliminated in a premeditated operation. The plea emphasizes that only a central investigative body can uncover the truth and deliver justice.

Police reports state that Surya Hansda, wanted in over 20 criminal cases, was killed near Dhamni Pahad under Boarijore police station on August 11. Police claimed that firearms were recovered at the site and alleged that Surya tried to snatch a weapon and escape, prompting officers to fire in self-defense.

The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) has also questioned the encounter, labeling the circumstances as “suspicious,” and has recommended a CBI investigation after its fact-finding team visited the site and recorded statements from all concerned parties.

With inputs from IANS