Tribal Groups Plan Candlelight March for Surya Narayan Hansda

Ranchi, Aug 20 (PTI) – Tribal organizations in Jharkhand are set to organize a candlelight march in Ranchi on Wednesday evening in protest against the death of Surya Narayan Hansda. Hansda, who was wanted in multiple criminal cases, reportedly died in an encounter with security personnel.

Jai Adivasi Kendriya Parishad President Niranjana Toppo claims that Hansda, who had contested assembly elections on tickets from various political parties, was “murdered”. Toppo asserted, “The tribal organizations will conduct a candlelight march in Ranchi this evening to protest the encounter that led to Surya Hansda’s death.

We demand justice for him, as there was a conspiracy in Hansda’s killing,” Toppo alleged. Hansda was apprehended from Nawadih village in Deoghar on August 10, and according to the Godda police, the encounter took place en route to Rahadbadia Hills, where he was to recover hidden weapons.

During the operation, Hansda allegedly seized a weapon from the officers and opened fire while trying to escape. The police, in turn, retaliated, resulting in his death.

The tribal organizations have further planned a march to Raj Bhavan on August 23 to demand justice for Hansda, stated Bablu Munda, President of Kendriya Sarna Samiti.