• Jharkhand government orders CBI probe into Nisha Bhagat’s death.
• CM Hemant Soren confirms decision through a post on X.
• Tribal activist had alleged harassment in a Facebook Live session.
• BJP and CPI(ML) Liberation call for an impartial investigation.

GG News Bureau
Ranchi, 10th Nov: The Jharkhand government has handed over the Nisha Bhagat death case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Chief Minister Hemant Soren announced on Saturday, following political demands for an independent probe into the tribal activist’s death.

Taking to X, Soren said, “The CBI will now investigate the Nisha Bhagat case. Orders have been issued.” The decision comes amid allegations of harassment made by Bhagat shortly before her death.

Bhagat, a tribal activist from Jharkhand, allegedly died by suicide in Ranchi on Friday. Shortly before her death, she had broadcast an approximately 11-minute Facebook Live session in which she levelled allegations of harassment against the state government and land brokers.

In the video, Bhagat appeared distressed and spoke about her alleged attempts to approach the administration for protection. She also raised concerns about the risks faced by those speaking against influential individuals and accused the Hemant Soren-led government of humiliating women.

“I tried very hard to fight the administration and also tried to talk to them about security… But today I have to embrace my own death because this Hemant Soren government can humiliate women, and I cannot bear this,” she said during the broadcast.

According to reports, Bhagat also contacted the officer-in-charge of Pithoria police station shortly after the Facebook Live session and informed him of her intention to end her life.

Her death prompted political reactions across the state. The opposition BJP demanded a CBI investigation and questioned the law and order situation in Jharkhand. Her father, Handu Bhagat, also sought a high-level inquiry, alleging the involvement of influential people.

Union Minister Giriraj Singh called for an impartial CBI investigation and described Bhagat as a tribal woman who had raised issues concerning tribal land, culture and the safety of tribal women.

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey also criticised the state government, alleging that it had failed to protect marginalised communities and was influenced by the mafia.

The CPI(ML) Liberation, an ally of the ruling government, also called for a fair investigation into the case.

With the CBI probe now ordered, the investigation is expected to examine Bhagat’s allegations, her reported communication with the police and the circumstances leading to her death. The findings will be important in establishing the facts and determining whether there was any criminal responsibility.