NCST Team Probes Circumstances Surrounding Surya Hansda's Death in Godda District

An NCST team visited Godda to investigate the killing of Surya Hansda, a tribal activist. The visit follows claims of conspiracy and police assertions regarding his criminal history.

An eight-member team from the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) visited various locations in Jharkhand's Godda district. They are investigating the death of Surya Hansda, who allegedly died in a police encounter. The opposition BJP claims Hansda was a tribal activist killed in a conspiracy, while police assert he was a wanted criminal with 25 cases against him.

The NCST team, led by Asha Lakra, met Hansda's family in Lalmatia and visited Rahadbadia Hills, where he was killed on August 10. Police say Hansda tried to escape custody by snatching a rifle and firing at officers. The team also met with Godda's Deputy Commissioner Anjali Yadav and Superintendent of Police Mukesh Kumar.

NCST Questions Police Narrative

Speaking to reporters, Lakra expressed doubts about the police's account of Hansda's death. "Police claim that 25 cases were registered against him. However, locals state that he was a social activist. We have asked for the names of the police personnel in the SIT involved in the encounter, along with a copy of all the cases against him. We have asked the district administration to submit a report within seven days," she said.

NCST member Nirupam Chakma also questioned the police's version of events. "What was the reason for the police to recover arms at night, that too with only six to seven personnel? Also, the police claim that the encounter lasted for half an hour, but villagers denied hearing any sound of firing. There are many such facts which are a matter of investigation," he said.

Political Reactions and Allegations

The NCST began its investigation after BJP MP Deepak Prakash filed a complaint alleging Hansda's death was a fake encounter. Leader of the Opposition Babulal Marandi described Hansda's killing as a planned conspiracy. He claimed Hansda had become an obstacle for local mining interests and was eliminated in a staged encounter.

The state government has transferred the investigation into Hansda's death to the CID. Hansda had previously contested the 2019 assembly elections from Borio on a BJP ticket but switched to JKLM for the 2024 elections after being denied a BJP ticket.

If necessary, senior police officers may be summoned to Delhi for further questioning, according to Lakra. "We will soon submit all reports to the commission. After that, the commission will take further action," Chakma added.

With inputs from PTI