Tragic Death of Jharkhand Tribal Rights Activist Nisha Bhagat Raises Concerns
Nisha Bhagat's Distressing Final Moments
File image of prominent tribal activists from Jharkhand, Nisha Bhagat
(Photo: @AdityaPdSahu/X)
Ranchi, Nov 6: Nisha Bhagat, a well-known activist advocating for tribal rights in Pithoria, Ranchi district, tragically passed away on Friday after reportedly attempting suicide during a Facebook Live broadcast.
She was rushed to the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in critical condition, where she was later pronounced dead, according to officials.
Prior to the incident, Bhagat conducted a Facebook Live session that has since gained widespread attention.
During the livestream, she appeared visibly upset and emotional, discussing her ongoing battle against alleged land mafias, personal attacks, and various systemic issues.
Reports indicate that she had a conversation with the officer-in-charge of the Pithoria police station shortly before her distressing act.
In her livestream, Bhagat expressed feelings of isolation and abandonment, stating that she had been fighting her battles alone. She also conveyed her worries about the pain her actions would inflict on her parents.
She expressed frustration over being labeled a "dalal" and claimed that no action had been taken against those damaging her reputation.
Bhagat also mentioned that individuals affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), whom she had hoped would support her, had not come to her aid.
Addressing issues related to the Sarna faith and tribal identity, she articulated her discontent with the challenges she faced due to her activism.
However, the claims made during her livestream and the circumstances surrounding her death have not been independently verified.
Bhagat was a prominent figure in Jharkhand, known for her strong advocacy for tribal rights and her efforts to gain recognition for the Sarna religion.
She consistently highlighted issues affecting tribal identity and indigenous communities. Last year, she garnered significant media attention when she shaved her head in protest related to the Sarna religion.
Additionally, she was a candidate for the 2024 Jharkhand Assembly elections from the Gumla constituency. Her untimely death has sparked sorrow within tribal social and political communities, raising ongoing questions about the issues she highlighted in her Facebook Live session and the events leading to her death.
Authorities have initiated an investigation into the matter.