Bihar MP Seeks Intervention from Lok Sabha Speaker in Controversial Death Case

Bhojpur, October 19 (Daily Kiran) : In Bihar’s Bhojpur district, the suspicious death of Bharat Bhushan Tiwari in Bilouti village has escalated into a significant political issue, reaching the Lok Sabha. Sudhakar Singh, the MP from Buxar, has called on Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to intervene following a defamation notice he received from senior IPS officer Kundan Krishnan.

In a letter addressed to the Speaker, Singh, a member of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), has requested an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the legal notice. He urged that if there is a prima facie case of parliamentary privilege violation, the matter should be referred to the parliamentary privilege committee.

According to Singh, Krishnan sent the legal notice through his private lawyer, demanding a public apology and threatening a defamation lawsuit for ₹5 crore, along with potential criminal proceedings.

Singh expressed concern that this notice could discourage elected representatives from raising issues of public importance in Parliament. However, the intent behind the notice has not been independently verified.

The controversy stems from Tiwari’s suspicious death, which is also linked to allegations of a fake encounter. Singh’s letter mentions that the police officers involved have been suspended and an FIR has been filed based on the victim’s mother’s complaint. He also referenced a judicial inquiry initiated by the state government, the findings of which have yet to be made public.

The MP argued that the investigation should not be confined to lower-level police personnel. He noted that Krishnan was serving as the Director General of the Bihar Special Task Force (STF) at the time of the incident and called for an impartial investigation into the chain of command.

Singh has requested an examination of the orders issued, communications between officials, information provided to the police headquarters, and the roles of senior officials. He emphasized that determining individual accountability can only be achieved through a thorough investigation.

Citing Article 105 of the Constitution, Singh argued that elected representatives must be able to raise questions regarding administrative actions and potential abuse of official power. This article provides for freedom of speech in Parliament and certain privileges for its members.

He asked the Speaker to verify the authority under which Krishnan issued the legal notice and whether he received authorization from the Bihar or central government.

Additionally, Singh referenced Rule 17 of the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968, and sought clarification on its applicability concerning the notice. He raised another issue regarding the role of the private law firm that issued the notice.

The MP requested clarification on whether the firm was representing Krishnan personally or if it had also been authorized to act on behalf of the Bihar government. He sought details of any official orders or authorizations related to the legal action.

Beyond demanding an investigation into the legal notice, Singh also requested information regarding the status of the judicial inquiry into Tiwari’s death and the availability of its findings. He urged the Speaker to initiate a comprehensive investigation into the matter and, if sufficient evidence is found, to refer it to the privilege committee.

He further insisted that appropriate action be taken if evidence emerges indicating that any elected representative faced pressure or retribution in the performance of their parliamentary duties.