Ranchi, November 6, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Tribal rights activist Nisha Bhagat, a prominent figure from Pithoria in Jharkhand’s Ranchi district, died on Friday after allegedly attempting suicide during a Facebook Live session.
She was rushed to the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in critical condition, where doctors later declared her dead, officials said.
Before the incident, Bhagat had gone live on Facebook in a video that has since gone viral. She appeared distressed while speaking about her prolonged struggle against alleged land mafias, attempts to defame her and various issues concerning the system and governance.
According to available information, she had spoken to the officer-in-charge of Pithoria police station shortly before the incident.
During the livestream, Bhagat said she had been fighting alone for a long time and felt abandoned by those around her. She also expressed concern about the grief her actions would cause her parents.
She voiced anger over being labelled a “dalal” and alleged that no action had been taken against those tarnishing her image. She further claimed that people associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), whom she had expected to support her, had failed to stand by her.
Referring to issues concerning the Sarna faith and tribal identity, she expressed frustration over circumstances that she said had arisen because of her activism. However, the allegations made during the video and the reasons behind the incident have not been independently verified.
Bhagat was widely known for advocating tribal rights and campaigning for recognition of the Sarna religion. She had consistently raised issues concerning tribal identity and indigenous communities. Last year, she drew public attention after shaving her head during a protest linked to the Sarna religion issue.
She had also contested the 2024 Jharkhand Assembly elections from the Gumla constituency.
Her death has triggered grief in tribal social and political circles. Police have launched an investigation into the incident.
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