Tribal activist dies by suicide after Facebook Live, blames Soren govt, land brokers

Tribal rights activist Nisha Kumari Bhagat allegedly died by suicide at her residence in Jharkhand's Ranchi on Friday after broadcasting an emotional Facebook Live video in which she accused the Hemant Soren-led government, police and alleged land brokers of harassment, officials said.

Bhagat, who had been vocal about Adivasi rights and land-related issues, was found dead at her home in the Pithoria police station area. Her death triggered a political controversy, with the opposition BJP demanding Chief Minister Hemant Soren's resignation and an investigation into the allegations made by the activist.

Ranchi City Superintendent of Police Paras Rana said Bhagat's body was recovered from a room at her residence and sent to the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) for postmortem examination.

Police said preliminary findings suggested suicide, but the exact circumstances surrounding her death were yet to be established.

𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲

In the nearly 11-minute Facebook Live video, Bhagat appeared visibly distressed as she spoke about her struggles against alleged land brokers and what she described as a lack of support from the administration.

She alleged that speaking out against the state government and those involved in land dealings had exposed her to intimidation and humiliation.

Bhagat also referred to her father's participation in the movement for a separate Jharkhand state and said she had repeatedly tried to raise concerns about her security with the authorities.

During the broadcast, she expressed disappointment with political parties, including the BJP and Congress, saying she had received little support despite her efforts to protect tribal interests.

The video ended abruptly.

Bhagat had been associated with campaigns concerning tribal identity, religious rights and alleged encroachment on Adivasi land.

𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

According to reports, Bhagat contacted the officer-in-charge of Pithoria police station during the livestream and informed him of her intention to take her own life.

She reportedly questioned why an earlier robbery complaint involving her residence had not been resolved and why those allegedly harassing her had not been identified.

Ranchi Rural Superintendent of Police Gaurav Goswami said investigators were examining the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the activist's reported telephone conversations and any previous complaints lodged with the police.

Police were also verifying whether Bhagat had approached the local police station regarding threats or harassment.

The incident reportedly occurred around 12.30 pm. Officers reached her residence and she was taken to RIMS, where she was declared dead.

Authorities said the postmortem findings and investigation would help establish the circumstances of her death.

𝗕𝗝𝗣 𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗦𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗻'𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

The incident sparked sharp political reactions, with Leader of the Opposition Babulal Marandi holding the state government responsible for allegedly failing to protect the activist.

Marandi described Bhagat as a young tribal leader who had consistently raised her voice for the rights of Adivasi communities.

He alleged that she had named Chief Minister Hemant Soren, the Pithoria police station in-charge and Ajay Tirkey in connection with the harassment she claimed to have faced.

Marandi demanded Soren's immediate resignation and called for the arrest of those found responsible following an impartial investigation.

The BJP leader also sought a CBI probe into the circumstances surrounding Bhagat's death.

State BJP president Aditya Sahu questioned the police response, alleging that officers failed to intervene despite being alerted during the livestream.

He demanded action against police personnel if negligence was established.

Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth expressed grief over Bhagat's death and accused the state government and police administration of failing to address her concerns.

Former chief ministers Champai Soren and Raghubar Das also expressed concern over the incident, with Das alleging that the administration was protecting land brokers.

𝗝𝗠𝗠 𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝘀𝗲𝗲𝗸𝘀 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗲

The CPI(ML) Liberation, an ally of the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), also demanded a fair and high-level investigation into Bhagat's death.

Party state secretary Manoj Bhakat expressed grief and said the circumstances surrounding the activist's death must be thoroughly examined.

He urged the government to ensure that the truth emerged and that the bereaved family received justice.

The party's demand added to calls for accountability and an independent examination of the allegations raised by Bhagat.

𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀

Police said a detailed investigation had been initiated to establish the sequence of events preceding Bhagat's death and examine the allegations made during her social media broadcast.

Investigators are expected to review her earlier complaints, communications with police officials and the circumstances surrounding the alleged harassment.

The accusations against the state government, police personnel and individuals named in connection with the case remain allegations and have not been established by investigators.

Bhagat's death has prompted calls from political parties and tribal organisations for a transparent investigation into her grievances and the response of the authorities.