Tribal Activist Nisha Kumari Bhagat Dies by Suicide After Facebook Live Allegations Against Jharkhand Govt

Tribal activist Nisha Kumari Bhagat allegedly died by suicide at her residence in Ranchi on Friday after posting an emotional Facebook Live video in which she accused the Hemant Soren-led Jharkhand government and land brokers of harassing her. Her death has triggered a political controversy, with the BJP demanding a CBI investigation and the CPI(ML) Liberation calling for an impartial probe.

In the nearly 11-minute video, which appeared on her Facebook profile, Bhagat was seen crying and alleging that people who raised their voices against the state government and its alleged links with land brokers faced threats and intimidation.

She also spoke about her efforts to approach the administration for protection, saying she had tried repeatedly to raise her concerns but felt that no one was willing to help her.

Referring to her family's connection with the Jharkhand movement, Bhagat said her father had played a role in the agitation for the state's formation. She expressed concern about the pain her death would cause her parents. The video abruptly ends, with the camera appearing to be obstructed by a green object.

Ranchi City SP Paras Rana said Bhagat's body was found hanging from a ceiling fan in a room at her residence in Pithoria. The body was subsequently sent to the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) for a post-mortem examination.

The incident prompted sharp reactions from opposition leaders. A BJP delegation led by state president Aditya Sahu visited RIMS and met Bhagat's family. Sahu alleged that the activist had faced threats because of her campaign against religious conversion and land brokers. He demanded an impartial investigation by a central agency.

Leader of the Opposition Babulal Marandi also demanded Chief Minister Hemant Soren's resignation, alleging that Bhagat had held the chief minister, the Pithoria police station in-charge and Ajay Tirkey responsible for her situation.

Former chief ministers Champai Soren and Raghubar Das also reacted to the incident, with Champai describing her death as an irreparable loss to the tribal community and Das accusing the state government of protecting land brokers.