BJP Demands CBI Probe Into Encounter Death; INDIA Bloc Protests

Ranchi, Aug 25 (PTI) - On Monday, the BJP and its allies staged a protest outside the Jharkhand Assembly, calling for a CBI investigation into the death of Surya Hansda, who was reportedly killed in an encounter with security forces.

Concurrently, legislators from the INDIA bloc, which includes the JMM and the Congress, demonstrated against the special intensive revision of electoral rolls in Bihar and the 130th Constitutional Amendment Bill. This bill aims to disqualify a prime minister, chief ministers, and ministers from office if they remain incarcerated for 30 days or more.

BJP state chief and leader of the opposition, Babulal Marandi, claimed that Hansda's death was the result of a conspiracy. "We demand a CBI investigation into the case. We will also push for this demand in the assembly," Marandi stated.

Hansda, who had contested in several assembly elections, was arrested from Nawadih village in Deoghar on August 10. The contentious encounter happened when he was being taken to Rahadbadia Hills for the recovery of hidden weapons. Allegedly, Hansda attempted to flee custody by snatching a weapon and firing at police officers, leading to his shooting by the police in self-defense, as per the Godda police.

The BJP MLAs also called for the resignation of Chief Minister Hemant Soren, accusing the government of exploiting tribal lands. Marandi alleged that tribal lands are being forcibly acquired for a hospital project in Ranchi's Nagri area. "We demand that the government return the land to the farmers," he said.

Participants in the INDIA bloc - the JMM, Congress, and RJD – protested against the SIR exercise and the 130th Constitutional Amendment Bill, arguing that these measures threaten democracy. "The timing of voter roll revisions just before elections in Bihar is suspicious. If such an exercise is attempted in Jharkhand, the JMM will protest vigorously," stated State Minister Sudivya Kumar.

He further alleged that the 130th Constitutional Amendment Bill aims to "undermine democracy." The bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on August 20. It seeks to remove prime ministers, chief ministers, and other ministers if arrested for serious offenses for 30 days or longer.

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