Jharkhand | Ranchi: Union Textile Minister and BJP leader Giriraj Singh on Saturday expressed grief over the death of tribal activist Nisha Bhagat and demanded a CBI investigation, alleging that the Jharkhand government had silenced a fearless voice fighting for tribal rights, land protection and women’s safety.
Nisha Bhagat allegedly died by suicide at her Ranchi residence on Friday. Singh described her as a courageous tribal woman who had consistently raised issues concerning tribal land, culture and the safety of tribal daughters, particularly against what he termed the menace of ‘love jihad’.
“This is a tragic incident. Nisha Bhagat, a daughter of the tribal community, was a fearless woman who sacrificed her life for the tribal community. She stood up for the protection of tribal land, culture and the safety of tribal daughters. I believe she was a courageous daughter,” Singh said.
Targeting Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Chief Minister Hemant Soren, Singh alleged that despite speaking about tribal communities, the government had effectively silenced a fearless activist. He demanded that the case be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for an impartial probe.
Congress Says Allegations Will Be Investigated
Rakesh Sinha alleges Nisha named BJP leaders, Sukhdeo Bhagat seeks impartial probe
Congress leader Rakesh Sinha also termed the incident deeply tragic and said the administration would investigate every allegation raised by Nisha Bhagat during her Facebook Live broadcast. He said strict action would be taken against anyone found guilty.
Sinha, however, alleged that Nisha had named several BJP leaders during the livestream and claimed that she had contacted many leaders over the phone but did not receive support. He said the administration would examine all aspects of the video.
Congress MP Sukhdeo Bhagat, who said he personally knew Nisha and her family, expressed condolences and said police had registered an unnatural death case. He said he had not watched the Facebook Live video or examined the allegations but assured that police would investigate the matter and take action against those found responsible.
Facebook Live Before Death, Police Investigating Allegations
Activist accused land mafias and officials of inaction; FSL examined crime scene
Before her death, Nisha Bhagat reportedly broadcast an 11-minute Facebook Live video that was viewed by thousands. During the livestream, she appeared distressed, wept, apologised to her parents and accused local land mafias, government officials and police of failing to act on her complaints.
She reportedly said that opposing the government and local land brokers was tantamount to inviting death. She also allegedly contacted the Pithoria police station in-charge during the broadcast and expressed her intention to harm herself.
Police later found her hanging from a ceiling fan at her residence. The police have registered an Unnatural Death (UD) case and conducted a scientific examination of the crime scene through the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL). Her post-mortem was conducted by a medical board at RIMS.
Police acknowledged that Nisha Bhagat had specifically accused the Pithoria station in-charge of ignoring her written complaints. The administration said all allegations were being investigated before responsibility could be established. The incident has triggered political controversy, with opposition leaders questioning police inaction despite the livestream being watched by thousands.
