A day after Diwali, the alleged suicide of tribal activist Nisha Bhagat remains the biggest story in the state. She had posted an 11-minute Facebook Live video hours before her death, alleging harassment by the Jharkhand government. This was on November 6, 2026.

Now, the National Commission for Women has taken suo motu cognisance and asked for a detailed action-taken report within 7 days.

NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar instructed authorities to conduct a fair, impartial, and time-bound investigation.

• Key Requirements: The commission has asked for a review of the police response to her earlier complaints, accountability for any police negligence, support for the grieving family, and the preservation of digital evidence (including her Facebook Live video, call records, and electronic data).

According to the complaint filed at Pithoria police station, Ranchi, by Nisha Bhagat's father — named in different reports as Handu Bhagat / Antu Bhagat (the handwritten complaint is signed by Handu Bhagat) — submitted a written complaint dated 6.11.26 to the SHO. It was received by Sub-Inspector Sunil Kumar Das. 

In his complaint, he said, as reported from the FIR and the copy of the letter circulating on social media, this in brief.

1. Core allegation: harassment drove her to suicide
2. ⁠He alleged his daughter was subjected to:

• Mental, social and physical harassment

• Threats of being implicated in false cases

• A sustained social-media campaign aimed at maligning / character-assassinating her. 

The deceased's father claimed this sustained harassment and defamatory campaign drove her to take her own life. 

The copy of the letter shared online adds that she was trapped in false cases, subjected to mental pressure and character assassination on social media, and ultimately took her own life. 

1. Harassment was not only online; he further alleged:• She was harassed even when leaving home or travelling elsewhere.

• Her father had raised questions about the alleged involvement of “some church members and people associated with the land business/land brokers.”

Another version of the complaint summary says she was forced to give a statement on social media, and was mentally and socially tortured and physically abused by the named persons. 

1. His father called it “a conspiracy”, “not an ordinary suicide.”

He alleged her death was part of a criminal conspiracy rather than an ordinary suicide. He also referred to a statement Nisha had reportedly posted on social media before her death, in which she named several people. 

In press statements after filing the complaint, he also demanded a CBI inquiry, alleging his daughter had named several people, including the Pithoria SHO and Ajay Tirkey, during her final Facebook Live. 

1. Who he named

Named as accused in the FIR:

• Ajay Tirkey — Central Sarna Committee Chairman. A controversial tribal leader who once contested the Mandar ST seat in 2014. Then, as President of the Kendriya Sarna Samiti, he came out in favour of the Hemant Soren government, supporting him and stating that the past opposition to the flyover ramp being built by L&T in front of Sirmatoli in Ranchi was politically motivated.

• Jyotsna Kerketta — tribal leader. As per adivasiprofiles.miraheze.org/wiki/Jyotsana_Kerketta, available on Google search,
“She is a member of the Jharkhand Student Union (AJSU) party; she is an outspoken advocate for Adivasi rights and is known for her fiery speeches. “

“She actively participates in political rallies and campaigns, speaking on issues like land rights, tribal culture, and the state's policies. In October 2025, a police complaint was filed against Kerketta by members of the Kurmi community in Dhanbad for allegedly making derogatory remarks against them at a rally in Bokaro. The controversy centered on her opposition to the Kurmi community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. In April 2025, Kerketta became a victim of cyberbullying. 

“She received support from the media after a man posted inappropriate videos featuring her and publicly announced her intent to take action. Beyond her political work, she uses her social media presence to celebrate and promote Adivasi culture and traditions.”( These details were not examined and authenticated by JharkhandStateNews.com).

In any case, the Police have registered an FIR on the basis of his complaint naming these two. 

Also accused of harassment, but NOT named as accused in FIR:

• Satish Pandey, Pithoria police station in-charge, and other police personnel — the father accused them of mentally harassing his daughter. 

• The report specifically notes: "Although Satish Pandey has been accused of harassment in the complaint, he has not been named as an accused in the FIR." 

In his on-camera statement to the media, the father also accused Ajay Tirkey and associates of torturing his daughter, and criticised the Pithoria SHO for ignoring her pleas for help. 

1. What he has demanded

• Immediate arrest of the accused

• Strict legal action against the named individuals so that his late daughter gets justice.   

• In later statements, he has sought a high-level / CBI investigation. 

What happened after the FIR? 

The police investigation was entrusted to DSP Amar Kumar Pandey. No arrest was made till November 9, 2026, 4 days after her death. 

• Pithoria SHO has been kept out of the investigation. 

Important note: These are allegations made in the father's complaint. The FIR names Ajay Tirkey and Jyotsna Kerketta as accused, but guilt is yet to be proven and the investigation is ongoing.

• On social media today ( November 20, 2026), tribal organisations are demanding justice, announcing plans to install her statue in Ranchi, and warning of a big movement if justice is not delivered. A demonstration was also held in neighbouring Lohardaga district town.
 

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