Hemant Soren recommends CBI to investigate Nisha Bhagat death case

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren. Photo: Special arrangement

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Tuesday (November 10, 2026) referred the death case of tribal leader and social activist Nisha Kumari Bhagat to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

On November 6, 2026, Nisha Bhagat reportedly committed suicide in Jharkhand’s Ranchi shortly after it was broadcast on social media. The incident took place under the Pithoria Police Station.

In her live broadcast, she questioned the role of the Hemant Soren government and some individuals associated with the land mafia and the police.

Targeting the state government, she said if it is wrong to publicize the government’s shortcomings and expose them, then they are paying the price now. She also reportedly called Pithoria PS SHO on live broadcast.

Leader of Opposition in Jharkhand Legislative Assembly Babulal Marandi on Saturday (November 7, 2026) asked the CBI to look into the case.

“The CBI will now investigate the Nisha Bhagat case. Orders have been issued,” Mr Soren said in a post on X on Tuesday (Nov 10, 2026).

The BJP demanded a CBI probe into the death. On Tuesday (November 10, 2026), BJP’s Scheduled Tribe Morcha held a torchlight march in Ranchi.

During the event, party leaders and workers demanded that Mr. Soren give an explanation on Bhagat’s death and also conduct an impartial investigation.

The government’s decision came just hours after Ranch Superintendent of Police (SP) Gaurav Goswami assured the press that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was probing the matter. The SHO of Pithoria police station has also been withdrawn from active duty and posted to police lines.

Reacting to the CM’s order, Jharkhand BJP state president Aditya Sahu said the decision was taken under pressure from the BJP.

Originally from Gumla district, Bhagat belonged to the Oraon tribal community. In 2024, she also unsuccessfully contested the assembly elections from the Gumla seat on a Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM) candidate.

After the elections, she left JLKM and did not join any political party. She was also appointed as the Central Woman President of the Sarna Central Committee and dedicated her life to the preservation of Santhal culture and tradition.

(Those who are in distress or have suicidal thoughts can seek help on the numbers listed here)

Published – 11 Nov 2026 03:38 IST