THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, Oct 14: The Jharkhand High Court today issued a notice to the State government, directing it to reply within six weeks to a petition filed by Sushila Murmu and Neelmuni Murmu, wife and mother of late BJP leader Surya Hansda. The petition demands a CBI investigation into the alleged police encounter in Godda that led to Hansda’s death on August 11, 2025.
According to their counsel Kumar Harsh, the High Court has also sent a notice to JMM leader Pankaj Mishra in connection with the case.
Family Terms Police Encounter ‘Staged’
Hansda, a four-time Assembly candidate, was reportedly shot dead during a police operation in Godda district. Police claim that after being arrested in Nawadih village (Deoghar), Hansda tried to flee with a policeman’s weapon near Lalmatia Dhamani Pahad (Boarijor PS, Godda), forcing them to open fire.
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The family disputes this version, calling it a staged encounter. They allege that Hansda was ill and physically incapable of running. The petition also questions procedural lapses—such as the lack of a magistrate’s presence and the haste in conducting the operation—suggesting possible human rights violations.
NHRC and NCST Launch Independent Inquiries
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has registered a case after a complaint from lawyer Sant Kumar Ghosh, who pointed out inconsistencies between the arrest site and the encounter location. On September 3, the NHRC directed the Godda Deputy Commissioner and SP to file an action-taken report within four weeks and explain why the commission wasn’t notified promptly.
The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) also intervened following a complaint by Rajya Sabha MP Deepak Prakash. A team led by Asha Lakra visited Hansda’s family and inspected the site at Kamardori Hill. The NCST criticised local officials for their lack of cooperation during the visit.
Political and Tribal Outrage
Political and tribal groups have condemned the killing as a “cold-blooded murder.” The BJP has sought either a CBI probe or an inquiry under a sitting High Court judge. Tribal organisations held candlelight marches in Ranchi, demanding justice and highlighting Hansda’s social work for underprivileged children.
Court to Decide on CBI Inquiry
The Jharkhand High Court will now review the criminal writ petition to determine if a CBI probe is warranted. With ongoing scrutiny from the NHRC, NCST, and civil society, the case has drawn national attention to police accountability and tribal rights in Jharkhand.
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