Bihar intensifies probe into Bharat Tiwari encounter; Shahabad Range DIG leading investigation

Patna: The Bihar government has intensified the investigation into the Bharat Tiwari encounter case, with senior police officials stating that both scientific and judicial mechanisms are being employed to ensure a comprehensive inquiry.

Addressing a press briefing, Additional Director General (Law and Order) Sudhanshu Kumar said the responsibility for conducting a detailed investigation has been entrusted to the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Shahabad Range.

According to the ADG, modern forensic techniques and scientific methods are being used to examine the circumstances surrounding the encounter.

The investigation includes Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) analysis, examination of technical and digital evidence, collection and verification of physical evidence, and scrutiny of available video footage and other materials.

Police headquarters is monitoring the progress of the investigation on a continuous basis.

Acting on the directions of the state government, a judicial inquiry commission headed by a retired High Court judge has been constituted to conduct an independent probe into the incident.

The commission is expected to examine the sequence of events leading to the encounter, review evidence and witness accounts, and submit its findings and recommendations to the government.

The judicial inquiry will function separately from the police investigation.

ADG Sudhanshu Kumar stated that two separate FIRs — No. 169/26 and No. 170/26 — have been registered in connection with the incident.

Further legal action, he said, will proceed based on the contents of these cases and the evidence collected during the investigation.

According to the preliminary findings, investigators have identified serious lapses on the part of certain police personnel.

The ADG stated that when police officers initially reached the location, proper measures to restrain the accused were allegedly not taken.

Subsequently, the situation escalated, and videos related to the incident began circulating on social media.

Taking note of these alleged lapses, authorities have suspended five police personnel, including the Station House Officer concerned.

Departmental proceedings have also been initiated against them.

The Bharat Tiwari encounter has generated significant political and public debate across Bihar, with opposition parties, social organisations and human rights groups demanding accountability.

IANS