Bharat Tiwari encounter case triggers political, legal storm in Bihar; Bhojpur SP meets family

Patna: The alleged police encounter of Bharat Tiwari in Bihar’s Bhojpur district has evolved into a major political, legal, and social controversy, with growing public anger, serious allegations against police personnel, and demands for an impartial investigation. Seven days after the incident, Bhojpur Superintendent of Police Raj visited the victim’s family in Bilauti village on Wednesday night.

During the meeting, the SP listened to the family members and gathered detailed information regarding the case.

The family members told the SP that they should not face any further injustice and demanded an impartial investigation into the matter, along with strict action against those found guilty.

They also sought an enquiry into the entire process through which Bharat Tiwari was taken to the police station.

Assuring the family, SP Raj stated that all aspects related to the encounter would be thoroughly investigated.

He added that appropriate action would be taken based on the facts and evidence that emerge during the investigation.

The FIR lodged by Bharat Tiwari’s mother, Asha Devi, contains grave allegations against the police team involved in the operation.

According to the complaint, police personnel allegedly overpowered Bharat Tiwari, shot him multiple times, and continued firing after placing him inside a vehicle.

The family has also alleged that excessive and inhumane force was used during the incident.

These allegations form part of the FIR and are currently under investigation.

Following the controversy, an FIR was registered against members of the police team involved in the encounter.

Five police personnel were suspended and transferred to the police lines.

Former area SDPO Rajesh Sharma was initially shifted to the police lines and later attached to the Police Headquarters.

Pankaj Kumar Mishra has subsequently been appointed as the new DSP of Jagdishpur.

A video that surfaced after the incident has added to the controversy and raised questions regarding the circumstances surrounding the encounter.

The footage has become central to the public debate and has intensified demands for accountability.

The incident has also attracted the attention of human rights bodies. The Human Rights Commission has reportedly sought a response from the Bihar government, while a petition seeking an impartial investigation has been filed before the Supreme Court.

Amid increasing pressure, the Bihar government constituted a judicial commission headed by retired Patna High Court judge Vinod Kumar Sinha on Wednesday to investigate the matter.

However, the victim’s family has expressed reservations regarding the enquiry and has continued to demand the arrest of the police personnel allegedly involved in the shooting.

A large Mahapanchayat organised in Bilauti village witnessed the participation of thousands of people who gathered to demand justice for Bharat Tiwari.

According to organisers, attendees came from several states, including Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Delhi, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.

The gathering featured slogans demanding accountability and an impartial investigation into the incident.

One of the most emotional moments during the Mahapanchayat occurred when Bharat Tiwari’s father, Kashinath Tiwari, addressed the gathering.

Overcome with grief while remembering his son, he broke down on stage as those present offered support and expressed solidarity with the family.

The Bharat Tiwari case has now moved beyond a local police encounter and emerged as a significant issue involving allegations of excessive use of force, questions over police conduct, judicial scrutiny, political reactions, and public protests.

While the police maintain that the encounter was justified, the family alleges that Bharat Tiwari was killed after he had surrendered.

The judicial enquiry, ongoing investigations, forensic evidence, and court proceedings are expected to play a crucial role in determining the facts surrounding the incident.

As the investigation continues, the central question remains unresolved: What exactly happened during the encounter that led to Bharat Tiwari’s death?

IANS