Ranchi, Nov 6 :The death of tribal rights activist Nisha Bhagat, who allegedly died by suicide after speaking during a Facebook Live session, has triggered a political controversy in Jharkhand, with the BJP demanding an impartial investigation and questioning the state government's response.
The opposition party has sought an explanation from Chief Minister Hemant Soren and demanded action against those allegedly named by Bhagat in her livestream before the incident.
Leader of Opposition in the Jharkhand Assembly Babulal Marandi said Bhagat, who had been fighting for tribal rights and against alleged land grabbing, had named the chief minister, the officer-in-charge of Pithoria police station and Ajay Tirkey in her Facebook Live video.
In a post on X, Marandi expressed grief over her death and alleged that the activist's statements reflected the difficulties faced by tribal communities in the state.
He accused the state government of failing to address concerns related to tribal land rights and demanded the arrest of those named by Bhagat, along with an impartial investigation into the incident. He also sought Chief Minister Soren's resignation, alleging administrative failure.
BJP state president Aditya Sahu accused the police and district administration of negligence, claiming that Bhagat had publicly expressed her distress and apprehensions during the livestream, which was watched by several people.
He alleged that the police failed to reach the spot in time and said timely intervention could potentially have saved her life. Sahu also demanded an investigation into the allegations and remarks Bhagat made in the video.
Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth expressed grief over the incident and said an investigation was necessary to establish the circumstances that led to the death of the tribal activist.
He said Bhagat had levelled serious allegations against the state government and individuals allegedly associated with land-related activities. Seth also raised concerns over women's safety and the law-and-order situation in Jharkhand.
Bhagat, a resident of Pithoria in Ranchi district, allegedly attempted suicide during a Facebook Live session on Friday. She was rushed to the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in a critical condition, where doctors later declared her dead, officials said.
During the livestream, she appeared distressed and spoke about her prolonged struggle against alleged land mafias, attempts to tarnish her reputation and her grievances against the administration.
She also expressed frustration over being allegedly branded a "dalal" and claimed that no action had been taken against those attempting to defame her.
Bhagat further said she had felt isolated despite seeking support from several people and organisations.
The allegations made during the livestream have intensified political demands for an independent and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.
