THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, August 20: An important meeting of the seven-member BJP committee investigating the alleged encounter of tribal activist Surya Hansda was held at the party’s state headquarters today.
The committee included former Chief Minister Arjun Munda, former Leader of Opposition Amar Kumar Bauri, former MP Sunil Soren, State Spokesperson Amit Mandal, and Anita Soren. The panel finalised its investigation report, which will be submitted to State BJP President Babulal Marandi.
Visit to Lalmatia and family statements
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Munda said that the committee had visited Lalmatia and collected testimonies from Hansda’s family members, intellectuals, and local residents.
“Everyone clearly expressed their apprehension that the encounter of late Surya Hansda was fake and amounted to a conspiracy to murder him,” Munda said.
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He added that Hansda consistently opposed illegal mining and corruption in the region. His family belongs to the traditional Manjhi tribal leadership system, and his activism had made him a “thorn in the eyes of the mining mafia”.
Allegations of conspiracy
According to Munda, Hansda was not even named in the case under which his encounter was shown.
“He was standing as a hurdle in the way of the mining mafia, so a conspiracy was hatched to eliminate him,” Munda alleged.
He also described Hansda as a messiah for poor children, noting that he worked tirelessly for their education. “Today, hundreds of children feel orphaned without him,” he said.
BJP’s stand
Munda emphasised that the BJP would continue its fight for justice in the case.
“The party will fight the battle of late Surya Hansda till its last breath. We stand firmly with his family,” he declared, adding that the BJP will soon announce a concrete movement programme on the issue.
Background
Surya Hansda, a tribal activist from the Godda district, was known for his strong opposition to illegal mining activities and corruption. He also championed the cause of education for underprivileged children in the region.
His death in a reported police encounter has sparked widespread suspicion and political uproar, with locals and activists alleging it was a staged killing orchestrated at the behest of mining interests.