Jharkhand News: Jharkhand High Court Hearing on Petition for CBI Probe into Surya Hansda Encounter

Ranchi, September 23, 2025: The Jharkhand High Court conducted a hearing on a criminal writ petition seeking a CBI investigation into the Surya Hansda encounter case. Hansda, who had previously contested elections under the BJP and other party tickets, was killed in a police encounter in Godda district. During the hearing, the court accepted an Interlocutory Application (IA) filed for amendments in the petition to ensure a fair and impartial investigation. The next hearing is scheduled after the Dussehra holidays before Justice Ambuj Nath. Advocate Kumar Harsh represented the petitioner during the proceedings.

Petition Filed by Wife and Mother Demands Investigation

The petition challenging the encounter as fake was filed by Hansda’s wife, Sushila Murmu, and his mother, Neelmuni Murmu. The criminal writ petition lists several key state officials, including the Chief Secretary, Home Secretary, DGP, and Superintendents of Police from Godda and Deoghar, among others, as respondents. The petitioners have demanded a thorough investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the circumstances surrounding the encounter.

Details of the Surya Hansda Encounter in Godda

Surya Hansda was killed on August 11 during an alleged encounter with the police in Lalmatiya Dhamni Hills under Boarijor police station limits in Godda district. According to the petition, Hansda had been taken into custody from Naudiha village in Mohanpur police station area, Deoghar, on August 10, a day before the encounter. The petition claims that his killing was staged, and the family seeks a detailed investigation to uncover the truth.

Previous FIRs Against Surya Hansda

According to police records, Surya Hansda was allegedly involved in multiple serious criminal cases in Godda and Sahibganj districts. FIRs were registered against him at Mirza Chowki police station in Sahibganj and Lalmatiya police station in Godda, citing participation in several violent and organized criminal activities. These incidents had made him a high-priority target for law enforcement authorities in Jharkhand.

Judicial Process and Next Steps

The High Court’s acceptance of the IA in the criminal writ petition ensures that amendments for a more detailed plea for impartial investigation will be considered. The next hearing, post-Dussehra holidays, will determine whether a CBI probe will be ordered into the Surya Hansda encounter, potentially setting a precedent for accountability in high-profile police encounters in the state.