Nisha Bhagat death: Marandi suspects larger conspiracy, demands arrest of Pithoria police officer, Ajay Tirkey and CBI probe
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK Gumla/Ranchi, November 7: Leader of the Opposition Babulal Marandi has expressed suspicion of a larger conspiracy behind the…
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Gumla/Ranchi, November 7: Leader of the Opposition Babulal Marandi has expressed suspicion of a larger conspiracy behind the death of tribal activist Nisha Bhagat and demanded the immediate arrest of Pithoria police station officer and Ajay Tirkey, whose names were reportedly mentioned by her before her death. He also called for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the entire episode, saying an independent investigation was necessary to establish the facts and identify those responsible.
Marandi visited Gumla to pay his last respects to Bhagat, laid flowers on her mortal remains and met her bereaved family members. Following the visit, he accused the Hemant Soren government of failing to protect an Adivasi woman who, according to him, had been raising her voice on issues concerning tribal rights and land.
The BJP leader alleged that Bhagat had faced harassment and that the circumstances surrounding her death warranted a thorough investigation. He said the police officer she named should be arrested immediately and that the investigation should not be confined to a routine police inquiry.
Marandi Alleges Larger Conspiracy, Seeks CBI Investigation
Raising questions about the circumstances leading to Bhagat’s death, Marandi said there was a possibility of a larger conspiracy and that the truth could emerge only through an impartial investigation.
He specifically demanded the immediate arrest of Ajay Tirkey, a sub-inspector posted at Pithoria police station, whose name, he said, had been mentioned by Bhagat before her death.
Marandi also held Chief Minister Hemant Soren responsible for the circumstances surrounding the activist’s death and accused the state government of failing to ensure the safety of tribal people.
His demand for a CBI investigation comes amid allegations that Bhagat had been subjected to mental and social harassment and had sought police protection. The allegations, including those against the named police officer, remain to be established through an independent investigation.
Accuses Government of Allowing Land Mafias to Operate
Marandi used the occasion to launch a broader attack on the state government’s handling of law and order and tribal land protection.
He alleged that land mafias, middlemen, and criminal elements had established influence across police stations, blocks, and circle offices, leaving ordinary citizens struggling to get their complaints addressed.
He claimed that tribal and raiyati land was being illegally occupied and that the sale of such land was taking place with alleged administrative protection.
Questioning the government’s responsibility towards tribal communities, Marandi asked who would protect their land and security if the administration failed to act against those accused of land grabbing.
He also demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Hemant Soren, alleging that the government had failed to maintain law and order.
Sameer Oraon Questions Police Inaction on Bhagat’s Plea for Protection
Former BJP Scheduled Tribe Morcha national president and former MP Sameer Oraon also demanded a CBI investigation into Bhagat’s death and strict action against those found responsible.
Describing her as a fearless tribal activist, Oraon said she had consistently raised her voice for the protection of tribal religion, culture, traditions, faith and the rights associated with jal, jungle and zameen.
He said that before her death, Bhagat had posted a live video on social media in which she allegedly spoke about mental and social harassment and character assassination by certain individuals. She had also reportedly sought police protection.
Oraon questioned why the police administration had failed to take effective steps when Bhagat had allegedly approached it for security.
He said the video reportedly mentioned Chief Minister Hemant Soren, Ajay Tirkey and Jharkhand Police, among others, and called for all the allegations to be examined impartially.
He demanded an investigation into Bhagat’s conversations with the police, her security-related complaints and the response of the officers concerned.
BJP Seeks Accountability and Protection for Tribal Activists
Oraon referred to the deaths of several other individuals, including Subhash Munda, Soma Munda, Laxmikant Munda, Roopa Tirkey, Sandhya Topno and Prem Sagar Munda, and said these cases raised concerns about the safety of tribal leaders and social activists in Jharkhand.
Questioning the state government’s claim of being an Abua Sarkar, he said members of the tribal community continued to struggle for their rights, dignity and security.
The BJP has demanded:
- A CBI investigation into the circumstances surrounding Nisha Bhagat’s death.
- An investigation into the role of Ajay Tirkey and other individuals named in the allegations, with immediate arrest of those found responsible.
- Examination of Bhagat’s conversations with the police and her requests for protection.
- Action against police officers found to have neglected their duties.
- Security for tribal community leaders and those associated with traditional institutions.
- Strict action against land brokers and mafias involved in illegal occupation of tribal land.
Oraon urged Chief Minister Hemant Soren to take immediate steps to ensure justice for Bhagat and strengthen the security of tribal communities. He said the Chief Minister should resign if the government was unable to protect the people of the state.
Former MLA Shivshankar Oraon, state spokesperson Ashok Badaik, ST Morcha state president Sunny Toppo, former MLA Ramkumar Pahan and OBC Morcha state secretary Prakash Sahu were also present at the press conference.
