Jharkhand | Ranchi: Former BJP ST Morcha national president and former MP Sameer Oraon has raised serious questions over the death of tribal leader Nisha Bhagat, alleging that it was a murder and not suicide. He demanded a CBI investigation into the case and accountability from the Jharkhand government and police administration.
Expressing grief over Bhagat’s death, Oraon described her as a fearless tribal leader who had consistently raised her voice for the protection of tribal religion, culture, traditions, faith and rights over jal, jungle and zameen (water, forests and land).
He said that before her death, Bhagat had posted a live video on social media in which she allegedly spoke about mental and social harassment, character assassination and threats. She had also sought police protection, but no concrete action was taken in time, he alleged.
Questions Raised Over Police Response
Oraon said the video mentioned Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s government, Ajay Tirkey and Jharkhand Police, along with certain other individuals. He demanded an impartial investigation into the allegations and questioned why the administration had not taken her request for protection seriously.
Referring to the deaths of tribal figures and social activists, including Subhash Munda, Soma Munda, Laxmikant Munda, Roopa Tirkey, Sandhya Topno and Prem Sagar Munda, Oraon said such incidents raised concerns about the safety of tribal leaders and community representatives in the state. He alleged that despite the government’s claim of being an ‘Abua Sarkar’, members of the tribal community continued to struggle for their rights, dignity and security.
BJP Seeks Investigation and Accountability
The BJP leader demanded a CBI probe into Bhagat’s death, an investigation into the alleged role of Ajay Tirkey and others named in the allegations, and action against anyone found guilty. He also sought an examination of Bhagat’s communication with the police and her requests for protection, along with action against officials found negligent.
Oraon further called for security measures for tribal leaders and representatives of traditional community institutions, as well as strict action against land brokers and mafias involved in illegal occupation of tribal land. Addressing Chief Minister Hemant Soren, he urged the government to take immediate steps to ensure justice for Bhagat. He said the Chief Minister should resign if the government was unable to ensure public safety.
Former MLA Shivshankar Oraon, state BJP spokesperson Ashok Badaik, ST Morcha state president Sunny Toppo, former MLA Ramkumar Pahan and OBC Morcha state minister Prakash Sahu were also present at the press conference.
