Ranchi: BJP state president and leader of opposition Babulal Marandi has formed a seven-member investigation team to probe the alleged encounter of Surya Hansda. The party believes that Surya Hansda was murdered rather than killed in an encounter. The team will meet Hansda’s family in Godda district on August 17 to gather detailed information about the case.
The investigation team includes former Chief Minister Arjun Munda, former leader of opposition Amar Bauri, BJP state vice president and former MLA Bhanu Pratap Shahi, former MP Sunil Soren, former MLAs Amit Mandal and Randhir Singh, and Anita Soren.
Meanwhile, Tiger Jayram Mahto, chief of the Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha, has demanded a CBI investigation into the alleged encounter of Surya Hansda. He stated that only a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation can uncover the truth and ensure that those responsible are held accountable. Hansda’s family and supporters have also echoed the demand for a CBI-led inquiry.
Raising serious questions about the nature of the encounter, Mahto pointed out burn marks on Surya Hansda’s body that, according to him, could not have resulted from gunshots. He argued that such marks appear only when a hot object—such as boiling milk, oil, or fire—comes in direct contact with the skin, suggesting possible custodial torture.
He further questioned the procedure followed during the arrest or detention, citing Sections 46 and 49 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), which permit the binding of hands if a person is suspected to be involved in criminal or anti-social activities. “Why were Surya Hansda’s hands not tied?” he asked.
Mahto alleged that some form of pressure may have been exerted on the local administration, which, he said, must also be investigated. He called for an impartial probe, stating that justice for Surya Hansda and his family can only be ensured through a central agency free from local influence.