CBI To Probe Tribal Activist Nisha Bhagat's Death, Jharkhand Removes Police SHO

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Tuesday ordered a CBI investigation into the death of tribal activist Nisha Kumari Bhagat, amid allegations of conspiracy and harassment levelled by her family. The development came hours after the officer-in-charge of Pithoria police station was removed from his post.

Bhagat allegedly died by suicide on November 6, days after going live on Facebook and accusing the JMM-led state government and land brokers of harassing her. Her parents have alleged that she was subjected to pressure and threats and demanded a thorough investigation into her death.

"The CBI will now investigate the Nisha Bhagat case. Orders have been issued," Soren announced in a post on X.

Police had registered an FIR on November 7 against social activists Jyotsana Kerketta and Ajay Tirkey following a complaint lodged by Bhagat's father, Handu Bhagat. The two have been booked under Sections 108 and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), pertaining to abetment of suicide and criminal conspiracy, Ranchi (Rural) SP Gaurav Goswami said.

The police have also constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the case. Meanwhile, officer-in-charge Satish Kumar Pandey has been sent to the police lines.

An official said that although Bhagat's father had named Pandey as an accused, investigators had not found concrete evidence to substantiate the allegations against him so far. However, the officer would remain within the scope of the investigation.

Separately, the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) took suo motu cognisance of the case on Tuesday and sought a report from the Jharkhand Chief Secretary, Director General of Police and Ranchi SSP within seven days.

The National Commission for Women (NCW) had also taken suo motu cognisance on November 7, directing authorities to ensure a time-bound investigation and submit a detailed action-taken report within seven days.

Bhagat's mother, Devika Bhagat, had alleged that her daughter was driven to take the extreme step due to pressure and threats from Tirkey and his associates.