NCW Seeks Report from Jharkhand Authorities on Death of Tribal Social Worker Nisha Bhagat

New Delhi: The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognisance of media reports concerning the death of tribal social worker Nisha Bhagat in Ranchi, Jharkhand, and sought a detailed report from the state authorities within seven days, an official said on Saturday.

According to media reports, Bhagat expressed distress during a Facebook Live session over online trolling, harassment and complaints involving the local administration and police. During the livestream, she also contacted the officer-in-charge of Pithoria police station, spoke about the difficulties she was facing and reportedly expressed thoughts of ending her life, an NCW official said in a statement.

NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has written to Jharkhand officials, seeking an impartial, comprehensive and time-bound investigation into the case. The Commission has also called for a review of the police response and the action taken on Bhagat's earlier complaints.

It has further directed the authorities to ensure the preservation of the Facebook Live recording, call records and other digital evidence related to the incident.

The Commission has sought accountability if any negligence or dereliction of duty is established on the part of police personnel. It has also called for necessary assistance to be provided to the deceased's family.

The NCW has asked the authorities to submit a detailed action taken report (ATR) within seven days.

"No woman's suffering or cry for help should go unheard. Sensitivity, timely action, and accountability are essential to women's safety," Rahatkar said.

Earlier, the NCW chairperson had announced the launch of a new support group, 'SAATHI', for women who have survived rape and their families.

In a post on X, Rahatkar described the initiative as an effort to provide emotional and mental support to survivors and their families during difficult times.

"Our aim is to ensure that victims and their loved ones receive such support during difficult times, where they can express their innermost thoughts, share their pain, and muster the courage to move forward in life once again," she said.

Rahatkar added that the Commission would work towards launching more such support groups in the future.

She also referred to the presence of Shubham and his wife from Pune at the launch event. The couple had lost their three-year-old daughter after she was raped and murdered by a 65-year-old habitual offender. According to Rahatkar, the Pune Rural Police completed the investigation promptly, and the accused was sentenced to death within 59 days.

Despite their loss, the couple has established a foundation in memory of their daughter to support victims and their families, she said.

Rahatkar praised their efforts to ensure that other families do not have to endure similar suffering. She said hearing about their experiences and the pain they continue to carry was deeply distressing, while their determination to turn their grief into constructive social work was inspiring.

She added that she had shared the concept and purpose of the 'SAATHI' initiative with the couple.

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