THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, August 13: The death of tribal activist and BJP candidate Surya Hansda has triggered a major political storm in Jharkhand, with the BJP accusing the state government and police of cold-blooded murder. BJP state president and Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi on Wednesday demanded an investigation either by the CBI or under the supervision of a sitting High Court judge.
Former Union Minister Arjun Munda is expected to visit Hansda’s family in Godda on August 17, signalling that the BJP plans to escalate the issue further.
Marandi: “Not an encounter, but a murder”
Addressing reporters, Marandi launched a scathing attack on the Hemant Soren government, alleging that “criminal elements within the Jharkhand police” have taken it upon themselves to frame tribal leaders, seize land for money, shelter mafias, and silence dissent through staged encounters.
He claimed that Hansda was not killed in a police encounter, but murdered by “cowards in uniform” who feared his activism could mobilise tribals to demand their rights and resources.
“False cases, harassment, and constant pressure have become the government’s standard way of dealing with protestors,” Marandi said. Hansda’s wife and mother have repeatedly accused the police of deliberate murder, and they demand a CBI inquiry. If the Chief Minister fears the CBI, then let a sitting High Court judge lead the probe.”
Who was Surya Hansda?
Surya Hansda, 38, hailed from Dumka district and was widely known in the Santhal Pargana region for championing tribal rights, opposing alleged land grabs, and demanding strict enforcement of tenancy laws.
Hansda had contested the 2019 assembly elections from the Borio constituency on a BJP ticket, finishing second. The party had fielded him in place of former state BJP president Tala Marandi.
Known as a young leader, he had previously contested and lost two elections on a JVM ticket before joining the BJP ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.
While he lost the race, the campaign elevated his political profile, and he remained an active BJP supporter at the grassroots level.
However, Hansda’s activism brought him into frequent conflict with authorities. Police records list several criminal cases against him, including charges of unlawful assembly, obstructing government work, and alleged involvement in violent demonstrations. His supporters insist these cases were politically motivated attempts to stifle his voice.
BJP readies for confrontation
With Arjun Munda’s visit scheduled for August 17, BJP leaders indicate they will raise the matter both in the Assembly and in public rallies. Party insiders say the aim is to project Hansda’s death as an example of “state-sponsored suppression of tribal voices” and to target the government on law and order ahead of upcoming political battles.
“The truth cannot be buried under false encounter stories,” Marandi said, vowing to “take this fight from Dumka to Delhi if needed.”
