Ranchi
The heat is increasing on the Hemant Soren government over the killing of tribal leader Surya Narayan Hansda.
Several tribal organisations marched to the Raj Bhawan demanding a CBI probe into his alleged ‘encounter’. Claiming he was “murdered in a conspiracy”, the protesters sought security to Hansda’s family and action against those personnel involved in police firing.
This comes even as the principal opposition party BJP too has termed his killing a “cold-blooded murder” and sought a CBI investigation. It has also reached out to the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) seeking an impartial investigation into the encounter.
Hansda, who was wanted in several criminal cases, had fought elections unsuccessfully from different parties including the BJP
Hansda was arrested from Nawadih village in Deoghar on August 10, and the alleged encounter took place when he was being taken to Rahadbadia Hills to recover hidden weapons.
Godda police claimed he had snatched a weapon from its personnel and fired at them while attempting to flee the spot. The police retaliated, resulting in his death, it said.
“Hansda always raised the voice of the tribal community and consistently opposed illegal activities, injustice, exploitation, and oppression by government machinery and mafia. He continuously fought for tribal rights, education, land security and the future of the youth. He was seen as an honest leader, but the administration, in collusion with some influential elements, conspired to kill him in a fake encounter,” Jaglal Pahan, chief convener of the march and a tribal priest, alleged.
Kendriya Sarna Samiti president Bablu Munda alleged that Hansda was “killed in a fake encounter”. “We demand a CBI probe into the case. This is not just a case about an individual or family, but it is a matter of the rights and justice of the tribal community. If the murder of an innocent person is given administrative protection, society’s trust in democracy and the judiciary will be eroded,” Munda said.
Earlier, taking cognisance of the complaint lodged by Rajya Sabha MP Deepak Prakash, the NCST issued notices to the Jharkhand Chief Secretary, DGP, Godda Deputy Commissioner, and SP. It directed them to appear before the Commission within three days.
The Commission warned that failure to appear may result in the officials being summoned personally or through authorised representatives.
State BJP President Babulal Marandi alleged that criminal elements within the Jharkhand police were framing tribal leaders, facilitating land grabs, sheltering mafias, and using fake encounters to silence dissent.
Marandi alleged Hansda was murdered by cowards in uniform as they feared his activism could rally tribals to demand their rights and resources. He further alleged that false cases, harassment, and systematic intimidation had become the government’s standard response to protests.
