THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, August 17: The BJP has turned up the heat on the Hemant Soren-led Jharkhand government, alleging that the encounter of tribal leader Surya Hansda was nothing short of a “cold-blooded murder under conspiracy.” Former Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Arjun Munda demanded a judicial inquiry under a retired High Court judge and a second post-mortem, warning that the party would launch a statewide agitation if justice is denied.
BJP Committee Visits Godda
Acting on the instructions of BJP State President and Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi, a seven-member fact-finding committee visited Godda today. The delegation included Arjun Munda, former Leader of Opposition Amar Kumar Bauri, State Vice President Bhanu Pratap Shahi, former Minister Randhir Singh, former MP Sunil Soren, former MLA Amit Mandal and Anita Soren. BJP leader Lobin Hembram also joined the team.
The committee met Hansda’s family and visited the school he had been running, where around 350 children are enrolled. They also interacted with the students to gather insights.
“Murder Disguised as Encounter”
Speaking to reporters, Munda accused the state police of fabricating cases to target Hansda.
“The FIR filed on 27 May was a complete lie—Surya Hansda was celebrating his child’s birthday at home that day. Yet, the police went after him, arrested him without a warrant, and killed him under a conspiracy,” Munda alleged.
He further stated that Hansda belonged to the respected Manjhi family of Lalmatia, which has traditionally been entrusted with community leadership. “Instead of recognising his contribution, the police labelled him a criminal. However, he was a social worker who ran a school and participated in democratic elections. He was acquitted in 14 cases, yet conspiracies against him never stopped,” he said.
Demand for Judicial Probe
Munda accused the administration of manipulating the post-mortem report. “Locals have clearly said the administration is whitewashing the incident. We demand a second post-mortem and an impartial judicial probe headed by a retired High Court judge,” he said.
He also demanded protection for Hansda’s family, adding, “If the government claims to stand with tribal society, it must explain its role in this case. Otherwise, the BJP will be forced to launch a massive movement across the state.”
