The death of tribal activist Nisha Kumari Bhagat in Jharkhand has triggered demands for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe, with her family and several political leaders alleging that she faced harassment over her activism and opposition to religious conversion and land-related activities.

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Bhagat was found dead at her residence in Ranchi's Pithoria area on Friday. Before her death, she had reportedly gone live on Facebook, where she was seen crying and accusing the Hemant Soren government and alleged land brokers of harassing her.

In the nearly 11-minute video, which is now circulating widely on social media, Bhagat spoke about her attempts to raise concerns with the administration and seek protection. She also alleged that speaking against the state government and land brokers had put her at risk.

The exact circumstances and reasons behind her death remain under investigation. Police have initiated a detailed probe, and her body was sent to the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) for post-mortem examination.

Who was Nisha Kumari Bhagat?

Bhagat was a tribal activist who raised her voice on issues concerning the Adivasi community. According to BJP leaders and other supporters, she was particularly vocal against religious conversion and alleged land-related exploitation.

Former Jharkhand chief minister Babulal Marandi described her as a young tribal leader who fought for the rights of her community. BJP leaders also claimed that she had faced threats because of her activism.

However, Bhagat's political affiliations and the allegations surrounding her activism have become part of the debate following her death. BJP leader Pratul Shahdeo said she had explicitly stated that she had no affiliation with the BJP or the RSS and described her as an independent social activist.

What did she say in her final Facebook video?

In the video posted before her death, Bhagat appeared visibly distressed and accused the state government and alleged land brokers of making it difficult for her to continue her fight.

She said she had tried to approach the administration and seek security but felt that her concerns had not been addressed.

She also spoke about the impact her death would have on her parents, mentioning her father's role in the Jharkhand movement.

Her remarks have intensified demands for an investigation into the allegations she made. However, the claims in the video have not yet been independently established.

Activist's death triggers demands for arrests and CBI probe

Tribal activist Sunny Toppo, who said he had spoken to Bhagat the night before her death, described her passing as a major loss to the tribal community.

Toppo said Bhagat had expressed concern about what people would say and alleged that an ideological battle had been turned into a personal one. He claimed she had been subjected to intense mental distress.

Demanding action against those named in her video, Toppo called for the arrest of two individuals, including the Pithoria police station's Station House Officer (SHO) and a person named Ajay Tirkey.

Bhagat's father, Handu Bhagat, also demanded a high-level CBI investigation, alleging that the government's failure had cost his daughter her life.

The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) separately demanded a CBI inquiry, alleging the involvement of land mafia elements and groups linked to religious conversion. These allegations have not been established.

BJP leader Pratul Shahdeo accused the state government of protecting a land broker named Ajay Tirkey and alleged that Bhagat had faced character attacks and harassment. He warned of protests if the state government did not order a CBI investigation.

Leader of the Opposition Babulal Marandi also demanded Chief Minister Hemant Soren's resignation, while former chief ministers Champai Soren and Raghubar Das expressed concern over the incident and raised allegations against the state government.

The CPI(ML) Liberation, an ally of the ruling JMM, called for an impartial, high-level investigation. Its state secretary, Manoj Bhakat, said the truth must emerge and the bereaved family must receive justice.

The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha has declined to comment on the incident so far.

Police have said the exact reason behind Bhagat's death is yet to be ascertained. The investigation is expected to examine the allegations made in her video and the circumstances leading up to her death.