Tribal activist Nisha Bhagat dies in Ranchi after self-harm attempt streamed on Facebook live

Nisha Bhagat, a well-known tribal rights activist from Pithoria in Jharkhand’s Ranchi district, died on Friday. She had reportedly attempted to end her life while streaming live on Facebook. She was taken to the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in critical condition, and doctors there declared her dead, officials said.

Shortly before the incident, Bhagat had gone live on the platform.

The video has since spread widely online. In it, she appeared distressed and emotional as she spoke of a long struggle against what she described as land mafias, efforts to malign her, and wider concerns about the system and governance.

According to available information, Bhagat had spoken to the officer-in-charge of Pithoria police station shortly before the incident.

During the livestream, she 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.

Bhagat voiced anger over being labelled a "dalal" and alleged that no action had been taken against those who were tarnishing her image.

She further claimed that people associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), whom she believed would support her, had failed to stand by her.

Referring to issues related to the Sarna faith and tribal identity, she expressed frustration over the circumstances she said had arisen because of her activism.

However, the allegations made in the video and the reasons behind the incident have not been independently verified.

Bhagat was widely known in Jharkhand for her vocal advocacy of tribal rights and her campaign for recognition of the Sarna religion.

She had consistently raised issues concerning tribal identity and indigenous communities.

Last year, she drew significant public attention when she shaved her head during a protest linked to the Sarna religion issue.

She also contested the 2024 Jharkhand Assembly elections from the Gumla constituency.

Her death has triggered grief among tribal social and political circles, while questions continue to be raised over the issues highlighted in her Facebook Live session and the circumstances leading to the incident.

Police have launched an investigation.