The Jharkhand Police’s encounter on August 11th, which resulted in the death of Surya Hansda, has sparked controversy, with the BJP calling for a CBI investigation. Jharkhand BJP president Babulal Marandi stated the party would hold demonstrations in 216 blocks across the state on September 11th, demanding a CBI inquiry into the alleged encounter. The Congress has responded to the BJP’s call for a CBI probe, accusing the BJP of portraying a criminal as a social worker and political figure, and accusing them of politicizing the matter.
The encounter took place on the evening of August 11th. Surya Hansda faced over a dozen cases, including murder, dacoity, and kidnapping. He had also been a candidate in several elections, running for the Borio assembly seat in 2014, 2019, and 2024, but was unsuccessful in all attempts.
The BJP, led by Babulal Marandi, plans statewide protests. The party claims Hansda, a social activist who spoke out against mining mafias, was murdered at the government’s direction, not killed in an encounter. The BJP has said they raised the issue in the Assembly and will now take it to the streets, alleging the government is oppressing tribals and forcibly taking their land for RIMS-2. The BJP is also demanding the return of this land to the tribal farmers.
In response to the rising pressure, the Jharkhand CID has begun an investigation. The National Human Rights Commission is also involved. Surya Hansda’s wife, Sushila Murmu, has called the encounter fabricated and is seeking a CBI investigation through the High Court.