BJP Demands CBI Probe in Alleged Police Encounter of Tribal Activist Surya Hansda in Jharkhand

Ranchi: BJP on Thursday marched across all 264 blocks under 24 districts in the state to press for CBI probe in the alleged police encounter of Surya Hansda in Godda last month while accusing the Hemant Soren-led state govt of executing his political murder.

The saffron camp also demanded relocation of proposed Rims-2 project from Nagri in Ranchi’s Kanke area, accusing the govt of trying to snatch farm land from the poor tribals.Hansda, who unsuccessfully contested assembly polls four times, was reportedly gunned down by Godda police when he allegedly tried to evade arrest in a criminal case.In Ranchi, party workers led by state BJP president Babulal Marandi took out a rally from Zila school to the DC office, where they submitted a memorandum to the governor with their demands.Marandi said, “While the Hemant Soren govt claims itself to be pro-poor and pro-tribal, the reality is different on the ground. We demand the relocation of Rims-2 from Nagri and CBI investigation into the murder of social and political activist Surya Hansda. Killings of tribal community members and looting of farmers’ land have become a norm under the current govt.”“Acquitted of the charges levelled against him, Hansda has been educating 300 poor and destitute children in Santhal Parganas.

He was eliminated as he was vocal against illegal sand mining and other such acts in Santhal Parganas,” the state BJP president added.Leading the protest in Kanke, former chief minister Raghubar Das said, “Four medical colleges, a cancer hospital, and an AIIMS-like hospital was built in Jharkhand between 2014 and 2019 when I was the CM. No agricultural land was taken over for any of the projects. On the other hand, the Hemant govt sold agricultural land for commissions under the garb of Rims 2.

Govt should build hospitals but not on agricultural land.

”Reacting to the stir, Congress snubbed BJP for fighting in favour of a ‘criminal’. Party spokesperson Rakesh Sinha said, “BJP is more concerned about the safety of a criminal than the safety of the state’s citizens. The police have done their duty. BJP is politicising the issue to create confusion among the public as it is devoid of issues.”