Tribal Organisations Seek Governor’s Intervention in Nisha Bhagat Death Case, Demand Arrests

Ranchi: The death of tribal leader Nisha Bhagat under suspicious circumstances has reached the Raj Bhavan, with several tribal organisations seeking the Governor’s intervention and questioning the state government’s handling of the case.

On Friday, a delegation led by Bablu Munda, comprising representatives of the Kendriya Sarna Samiti, Janjati Suraksha Manch, Jharkhand Adivasi Sarna Vikas Samiti and other organisations, met Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar at Lok Bhavan.

The delegation demanded the immediate arrest of those named in the case and a fair and impartial investigation into Bhagat’s death. Raising concerns over the law-and-order situation in the state, the organisations also called for the dismissal of the Hemant Soren government and the imposition of President’s Rule in Jharkhand.

In a memorandum submitted to the Governor, the organisations claimed that Bhagat had lodged several complaints with the police and cyber police before her death. According to the memorandum, she had approached Pithoria police station on July 3 with a complaint alleging extortion and death threats. She subsequently submitted a written complaint to Ranchi Cyber Police Station on July 13 and filed another complaint on July 22 regarding an alleged theft at her residence.

The organisations alleged that the police failed to take timely action on these complaints.

Bhagat died under suspicious circumstances at her residence in Pithoria on November 6. Shortly before her death, she had gone live on Facebook, raising allegations concerning a land dispute, alleged land mafias and the functioning of the police and administration.

Based on a complaint lodged by her family, police have named Jyotsna Kerketta and Ajay Tirkey as accused in the case.

Amid growing demands for action, Chief Minister Hemant Soren announced on November 10 that the state government would recommend a CBI investigation into the matter. The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes has also taken cognisance of the case and sought reports from the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police and Ranchi Senior Superintendent of Police.

With the CBI probe recommendation announced, the tribal organisations have now pressed for immediate arrests and constitutional intervention in the state. The allegations and circumstances surrounding Bhagat’s death remain under investigation.

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