Surya Hansda encounter: ST Commission issues notice to top Jharkhand officials

THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK

Ranchi/New Delhi, August 18: The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) has taken up the case of Surya Hansda, a former BJP candidate killed in a police encounter in Godda. On Monday, the Commission issued notices to the State Chief Secretary, DGP, Godda Deputy Commissioner, and SP.

The officials have been directed to appear before the Commission within three days and explain what action was taken on the complaints received after the encounter. The Commission warned that if they fail to appear, it could issue a summons. The notices were issued following a complaint by Rajya Sabha MP and former Jharkhand BJP president Deepak Prakash.

BJP Demands Murder Case Against Police

Meanwhile, the BJP has alleged that the encounter was fake and has demanded that a murder case be registered against the policemen involved. The party has also sought a judicial probe, claiming Hansda’s death raises serious questions about police action and tribal rights.

Encounter in Godda

Surya Hansda was killed on August 11 in an alleged encounter at Lalmatia Dhamani Pahad under Boarijor police station limits. He had been arrested the previous evening, August 10.

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Police described him as a criminal, but his family alleged foul play. His mother, Neelmuni Murmu, said plainclothes policemen came on bikes around 5 pm, picked him up from his aunt’s house in Nawadih village, Deoghar, and later claimed he was killed in an encounter.

Political Journey

Hansda had contested the Borio assembly seat four times but never won:

• 2009: Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (JVM)
• 2014: Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (JVM)
• 2019: BJP, finished second
• 2024: JLKM, after resigning from BJP when denied a ticket

Criminal Cases Registered

Recently, FIRs were lodged against Hansda at Mirza Chowki police station (Sahibganj) and Lalmatia police station (Godda), accusing him of involvement in several serious crimes.

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