NEW DELHI: The death of tribal activist Nisha Kumari Bhagat, who allegedly died by suicide at her Ranchi residence on Friday, has triggered a political storm in Jharkhand. Opposition parties have accused the Hemant Soren-led government and police administration of failing to protect her despite repeated complaints of harassment.
The controversy has intensified following an emotional Facebook Live broadcast in which Bhagat, visibly distressed and in tears, accused land brokers and people associated with the government of harassing her. She also alleged that her attempts to seek protection from the authorities had gone unanswered. In the nearly 11-minute video, which was viewed by thousands, Bhagat spoke about the threats she allegedly faced, apologised to her parents and expressed despair over her inability to fight the administration.
Her death has prompted the BJP to demand a CBI investigation and chief minister Hemant Soren's resignation. The CPI(ML) Liberation, an ally of the ruling government, has also called for a fair investigation, while tribal organisations and local leaders have demanded accountability.
The Soren govt responded to BJP's allegation admitting that though Bhagat was critical of the JMM govt she was not an "enemy". "Several land mafias and land brokers are BJP office-bearers, including prominent leaders. She may have criticised our party and government, but she was not our enemy. She was an Adivasi daughter of Jharkhand. The circumstances that led her to take this extreme step must be investigated. Police should examine her CDR details and the post-mortem report. Our police are conducting an impartial investigation, and action will be taken against whoever is found guilty. Let the preliminary police report come in the next two to four days," JMM central spokesperson Manoj Pandey said.
The incident has particularly angered tribal communities, with members planning a symbolic protest ahead of her last rites at her ancestral village Uru in Gumla district on Saturday.
In her final Facebook Live broadcast, Bhagat alleged that speaking out against the state government and land brokers could put people's lives at risk. She also claimed that despite repeatedly approaching the police and seeking security, she had received no meaningful assistance. "I should have understood this earlier... People say there is BJP, there is Congress, but there is no one... My parents will be deeply hurt. My father played his role in the Jharkhand agitation. I tried very hard to fight the administration and also tried to talk to them about security... But today I have to embrace my own death because this Hemant Soren government can humiliate women, and I cannot bear this," she said.
Student leader Devendra Nath Mahto said Bhagat had approached several people, including police officers, political representatives and social organisations, for help. He called for a comprehensive CBI investigation to establish whether complaints were ignored and identify those responsible.
Her father, Handu Bhagat, also demanded a central investigation, alleging that influential people were involved. "I demand a high-level inquiry into my daughter's death. The probe should be conducted by the CBI, because high-profile people are involved," he told reporters.
Ranchi Rural SP Gaurav Goswami said an Unnatural Death (UD) case had been registered and that forensic evidence had been collected from her residence. A medical board conducted the post-mortem examination. "Everything is currently under investigation. We are looking into every point you have raised; however, it would be inappropriate to comment on any specific detail before the investigation is complete. Once the investigation concludes, all findings will be shared with you," Goswami said, responding to allegations of police negligence.
Nisha Kumari Bhagat was a tribal activist from Jharkhand who had raised her voice against alleged injustice, starvation, religious conversion and land grabbing. She was particularly vocal against land brokers and what she described as harassment of tribal communities. According to Jharkhand BJP president Aditya Sahu, Bhagat had consistently spoken against exploitation and oppression but received no support from the government. He questioned why the police had failed to intervene despite thousands watching her distress broadcast.
Union minister of state for Defence Sanjay Seth also accused the state administration of failing to act, demanding the arrest of the Pithoria police station officer-in-charge, whom Bhagat had allegedly accused of ignoring her complaints. "The death of Nisha by suicide is a grim reflection of the crumbling law and order situation in Jharkhand," Seth said, reiterating the demand for a CBI probe.
The case shares an eerie similarity to the killing of Bharat Bhushan Tiwari, whose death in a controversial police encounter in Bihar has sparked widespread outrage. A video apparently showing the 28-year-old activist throwing away his pistol moments before being shot has raised allegations that he was killed after surrendering. Amid mounting political pressure, the Bihar government had ordered a judicial inquiry led by a retired High Court judge and suspended four police personnel pending investigation.
