The BJP in Jharkhand is questioning the encounter that led to the death of Surya Hansda on August 11th, and is demanding a CBI inquiry into the matter. The BJP is organizing protests across the state, with demonstrations planned for September 11th in 216 blocks, according to Babulal Marandi, the Jharkhand BJP leader. The Congress party has responded to the BJP’s demands, accusing them of political maneuvering and of supporting someone with a criminal record.
The encounter took place on the evening of August 11th. Hansda was wanted in over a dozen cases, including murder and kidnapping. He had unsuccessfully contested elections several times.
The BJP alleges that Hansda’s death was not an encounter but a government-ordered killing, claiming he was targeted because he was a social activist who opposed mining mafias. The party is protesting the encounter and the government’s actions toward tribal communities, who they say are being oppressed through land acquisition for the construction of RIMS-2. The BJP demands the return of land taken from tribal farmers. The BJP is protesting on these two issues.
Under pressure, the Jharkhand CID has taken over the investigation. The National Human Rights Commission is also involved. Sushila Murmu, Surya Hansda’s wife, is seeking a CBI investigation, calling the encounter a fabrication.