Ranchi
A 38-year-old tribal activist Nisha Kumari Bhagat allegedly died by suicide in Ranchi on Friday, shortly after going live on Facebook and accusing the State government, land brokers and others of harassing her for raising issues concerning Adivasi rights.
During the nearly 10-minute livestream, she appeared visibly distressed, spoke about her struggle against the land mafia, and also called the officer-in-charge of Pithoria police station, reportedly telling him that she was going to take her life.
In the purported livestream, available on her Facebook profile, Bhagat is seen crying and alleging that raising one’s voice against the “Hemant Soren government and its land brokers meant inviting death”. Describing herself as being alone in her fight for the community, she said the system had failed her in her struggle against the land mafia. The video abruptly cuts off, with the camera appearing to be obstructed by a green object.
During the livestream, Bhagat also spoke to the Pithoria police station inspector over the phone. She informed him that she was live on Facebook and would take her life. She questioned why a robbery at her house had not been solved and why those allegedly harassing her had neither been identified nor apprehended. The details of the reported robbery were not immediately clear.
The police officer reportedly disconnected the call after she informed him about the livestream. Bhagat had also called several people, including her parents, shortly before the incident.
Ranchi City SP Paras Rana told PTI that Bhagat’s body was found hanging from the ceiling fan in a room at her house. Her body was subsequently taken to Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), where she was declared dead. It has been sent for post-mortem examination.
“Prima facie, it appears that she died by suicide after going live on social media. The exact reason behind the incident is yet to be ascertained,” another police official said, adding that a detailed investigation has been initiated.
Ranchi Rural SP Gaurav Goswami said the incident took place around 12.30 pm. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding her death, examining her allegations and reported telephone conversation with the Pithoria police station inspector. They are also verifying whether she had previously lodged any complaints or cases at the police station. The SP indicated that further details would be available after the post-mortem examination.
Vocal On Adivasi Rights, Religious Identity
Bhagat was known for her activism on tribal religious identity and Adivasi rights. She had been vocal against the conversion of Adivasis and supported the demand for the delisting of tribal people who have converted to Christianity or Islam from the Scheduled Tribes list.
In the livestream, she also expressed disappointment with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), saying that despite expecting their support, they had never stood by her.
She appeared particularly distressed over online trolling and the use of the word ‘dalal’ (broker) against her. She maintained that she had no connection with anyone and was not associated with any particular group.
While the exact circumstances and reasons leading to her death remain under investigation, the allegations made during the livestream, her reported conversation with the police officer and the unresolved robbery case have emerged as important aspects of the investigation.
Political Storm Over Death
Bhagat’s death has triggered grief among members of the Adivasi community and social organisations, besides escalating the political confrontation between the BJP and the ruling government in Jharkhand.
Leader of the Opposition Babulal Marandi described Bhagat as a young tribal leader who had fought for the rights of her community. “She held Chief Minister Hemant Soren, the Pithoria police station in-charge, and Ajay Tirkey responsible for this,” he claimed in a social media post. Marandi said it was “shameful and unfortunate” that a young woman who raised her voice for tribal rights was allegedly harassed to such an extent that she took her own life. “Chief Minister Hemant Soren should immediately resign from his post,” he added.
Alleging that Bhagat had repeatedly sought administrative support but was driven to take the extreme step because her concerns were not addressed, Marandi said she had informed the police about her situation during the livestream shortly before her death, but no action was taken.
He demanded the swift arrest of the police officers concerned and the people whose names Bhagat had mentioned in the video. He also called for an impartial investigation.
BJP state president Aditya Sahu too raised serious questions over the role of the Pithoria police station and the state government. He demanded immediate action and the arrest of police personnel found responsible in the matter.
The BJP has stepped up its attack on the state government and police administration, with Marandi alleging that the government had lost control over crime and was protecting land brokers and mafias.
Union Minister Recalls Roopa Tirkey case
Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth expressed grief over Bhagat’s death and accused the State government and police administration of harassing her.
“It is extremely tragic. She was an Adivasi daughter who had done a lot of work at the social level and was fighting for various causes. The way the government and police administration harassed her is unforgivable. She died by suicide. This reminds me of Roopa Tirkey’s case in Dumka, where justice was not delivered. What is happening in police stations? Daughters are not safe here. This is extremely heartbreaking news,” Seth said.
Seth’s reference was to the death of police officer Roopa Tirkey in Dumka, a case that had triggered considerable controversy and demands for justice. His remarks have brought renewed attention to questions surrounding the safety of women, particularly Adivasi women, and accountability within the state’s police administration.
The death of Bhagat has thus raised serious questions about the response of local police to complaints of alleged harassment, the handling of her reported robbery case and the circumstances surrounding her final telephone conversation with the Pithoria police officer.
However, the allegations against the government, police personnel and individuals named by Bhagat remain to be independently established.
