Ranchi : The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognizance of the death of tribal woman leader Nisha Bhagat. Speaking in Ranchi on Wednesday, NCW Chairperson Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar stated that it is deeply unfortunate and concerning that Nisha Bhagat lost her life at such a young age due to harassment.
Vijaya Rahatkar emphasized that the Commission is treating this matter with the utmost seriousness and will take all necessary steps to ensure justice for the victim. She noted that the Commission has directed the Director General of Police (DGP) of Jharkhand to conduct an immediate investigation and submit a detailed report on the case.
Vijaya Rahatkar further stated that the Commission has sought information from the state government and the police administration regarding the circumstances that led to Nisha Bhagat’s death. The Commission has requested a comprehensive account of the actions taken thus far and the identities of those responsible. It has also called for strict action against the perpetrators.
She mentioned that a team from the National Commission for Women visited Gumla after their time in Ranchi, where they met with Nisha Bhagat’s parents to gather details about the incident. During this meeting, the family members leveled serious allegations regarding the events leading up to their daughter’s death and demanded justice. The NCW Chairperson assured them that their concerns have been heard with the seriousness they deserve, adding that the Commission will closely monitor all subsequent developments.
Vijaya Rahatkar also expressed her displeasure regarding the conduct of officials in Jharkhand. She stated that during her visit to Gumla, she was unable to meet with the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) or the Deputy Commissioner (DC). Similarly, in Ranchi, a meeting scheduled between the Commission and relevant officials did not take place as the officials failed to provide time for the interaction. She added that an attempt to meet with the DGP was also unsuccessful. Vijaya Rahatkar stated that she has visited Jharkhand twice, yet no official has spared time to discuss serious issues concerning the harassment of women. A request for a meeting with the Chief Minister was also made, but no appointment was granted.
She questioned who would stand by women in the state when they face harassment and are in need of justice. It is essential for officials to be serious and accountable regarding sensitive matters such as women’s safety.
The Chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW) noted that, in addition to the case involving the death of Nisha Bhagat, the Commission has taken cognizance of 536 other cases of harassment involving women in Jharkhand. The state government has yet to provide a satisfactory response regarding these cases as well.
She emphasized that securing justice for women is the Commission’s priority. No complaint will be overlooked. The Commission will take the necessary steps to ensure accountability from the relevant departments and secure justice for the victims.
Addressing a question regarding the recommendation to hand over the investigation of the Nisha Bhagat case to the CBI, Vijaya Rahatkar stated that the state government’s responsibility does not end merely by recommending a CBI probe. It is imperative that the CBI be provided with full details of the investigation conducted thus far by the local police, along with all facts and evidence gathered.
She stressed that there must be no shortcomings in the investigative process. The facts and evidence collected by the local police will assist the CBI in advancing the investigation, paving the way for the identification and punishment of the perpetrators. The National Commission for Women will continue to monitor the entire matter.
Vijaya Rahatkar remarked that the loss of a young woman’s life due to harassment is a matter of grave concern for both society and the administration. To ensure the safety of women and deliver justice, the government, the police, and the administration must fulfill their responsibilities with the utmost seriousness. Earlier, Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar, Chairperson of the National Commission for Women, spoke to the media at Birsa Munda Airport in Ranchi upon her arrival in Jharkhand. Describing the death of Nisha Bhagat as deeply tragic, she expressed her condolences to the family. She stated that her visit to Jharkhand is aimed at ascertaining the true facts of the case and meeting with the bereaved family.
