The BJP is at odds with the Jharkhand government over the encounter of Surya Hansda on August 11th, demanding a CBI investigation. The BJP will protest the encounter and call for a CBI investigation. Jharkhand BJP leader Babulal Marandi said the party would hold protests in 216 blocks across the state on September 11th. The Congress has criticized the BJP, accusing it of attempting to politicize the case.
Surya Hansda was killed on August 11th. He was wanted in connection with over a dozen cases, including murder and kidnapping. He had also contested elections multiple times, losing each time.
The BJP’s protest is against what they claim was a targeted killing, not an encounter. The party alleges that Hansda, who they describe as a social worker and a voice against mining mafias, was murdered on the orders of the government. The BJP says they are raising the issue publicly, and are also opposing the government’s acquisition of tribal land for the construction of RIMS-2, demanding the return of the land. The BJP is protesting these two issues.
The Jharkhand CID has taken over the investigation amid mounting pressure. The National Human Rights Commission has also taken notice of the case. Sushila Murmu, Surya’s wife, has termed the encounter as fabricated and has petitioned the High Court for a CBI investigation.