East Champaran SP suspends Constable over statements in Bharat Tiwari encounter case as video goes viral

Patna: Amid the controversy surrounding the encounter death of Bharat Tiwari in Bhojpur, the East Champaran police have suspended a Constable posted at the Motihari Police Lines after he allegedly made public statements regarding the case which went viral.

Constable Ashish Kumar Tiwari was suspended following a departmental enquiry conducted by the police administration.

Ashish Kumar Tiwari made statements on social media and to media organizations in which he described himself as Bharat Tiwari’s brother and commented publicly on the encounter case.

East Champaran Superintendent of Police, Swarn Prabhat, stated that the matter was investigated by the concerned Deputy Superintendent of Police.

“After examining the enquiry report, the department ordered his immediate suspension,” Prabhat said in his written statement.

A video purportedly showing Ashish Kumar Tiwari has circulated widely on social media.

In the video, he allegedly identifies himself as a Bihar Police Constable and makes remarks regarding Bharat Tiwari’s death.

Following the circulation of the video, the Motihari police initiated an enquiry into the matter.

Police officials stated that the Constable was given an opportunity to present his explanation during the enquiry.

However, according to the department, his response was not satisfactory, resulting in his suspension.

The suspension is a departmental measure, and further proceedings may depend on the outcome of any subsequent disciplinary enquiry.

The development comes amid continuing public and political debate over the death of Bharat Bhushan Tiwari, whose encounter in Bhojpur district remains under judicial scrutiny.

Police authorities said his conduct on public platforms and social media was found to be inconsistent with service conduct rules applicable to police personnel.

The enquiry also considered previous disciplinary issues involving the Constable during his earlier postings.

In January 2023, while posted at Harpur police station, he allegedly threatened a fellow police officer with a knife during night patrol duty.

In August 2024, during his posting at Piprakothi police station, he allegedly misbehaved with colleagues and reportedly pointed his service revolver at fellow personnel.

Officials stated that these earlier incidents were also examined during the departmental proceedings.

IANS