CBI to Investigate Death of Tribal Activist Nisha Bhagat in Jharkhand

Ranchi, November 10 (Daily Kiran) : The death of Nisha Bhagat, a prominent tribal activist in Jharkhand, will now be investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Chief Minister Hemant Soren made this announcement via a social media post on Tuesday night.

Bhagat, who lived in Pithoria, was a vocal advocate for tribal rights and issues related to the Sarna religion. She was hospitalized in critical condition after attempting suicide during a Facebook Live session on November 6, where she was later pronounced dead by doctors.

A video from her Facebook Live has surfaced, showing her emotional and distressed. In her broadcast, she spoke about her struggles against land mafia, alleged defamation, and harassment. She also raised concerns about the police and administrative conduct, expressing feelings of isolation and mentioning the potential grief her parents would face.

Following the incident, Bhagat’s father filed a written complaint at the Pithoria police station against Ajay Tirkey, Jyotsna Kerketta, and Pithoria’s station chief, Satish Kumar Pandey. An FIR was registered based on these allegations, which included charges related to incitement to suicide and criminal conspiracy. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed to probe the case.

Nisha Bhagat was known for her activism surrounding Sarna religion and tribal identity issues. Last year, during a protest regarding the Sarna religion, she shaved her head in solidarity. She also contested elections from the Gumla assembly constituency in 2024.

In the wake of her death, demands for a CBI investigation have emerged from the BJP, AJSU, and various tribal organizations. AJSU leader Sudesh Mahto met with Bhagat’s family to advocate for a fair investigation. Additionally, the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes has taken note of the incident, issuing notices to the state’s Chief Secretary, DGP, and the SSP of Ranchi, requesting a report within seven days.