Patna, June 22: The controversy surrounding the alleged police encounter resulting in the death of Bharat Bhushan Tiwari in Bhojpur district, Bihar, has intensified. A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Patna High Court demanding an independent investigation into the matter.
Lawyer Mukesh Kumar submitted the petition, calling for a fair inquiry and legal action against the police officers found responsible for the encounter. The petitioner has requested an urgent hearing before a bench led by Acting Chief Justice Meenakshi Madan Rai.
The PIL seeks an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Bharat Bhushan Tiwari’s death. According to the petition, a video went viral on social media prior to the encounter, showing Tiwari holding a pistol.
The petitioner raised questions about why the police did not arrest him or seize the weapon if he was indeed armed. Tiwari’s family has consistently claimed that the encounter was staged. They assert that he had surrendered and was unarmed at the time of the incident.
The family has also expressed concerns over the police filing an FIR against Tiwari’s father, brother, and several villagers following protests. Bhojpur police stated that Tiwari fired 10 to 12 shots at the police team during the operation. According to the police, the officers returned fire in self-defense, resulting in Tiwari being injured.
Injured Tiwari was first taken to Ara Sadar Hospital and later referred to PMCH in Patna, where he succumbed to his injuries. The Bihar government has announced a judicial inquiry into the incident, which is expected to be conducted by a retired High Court judge.
However, the petitioner noted that while the government has announced a judicial inquiry, no formal notification regarding the investigation has been issued yet. As part of initial administrative action, four police officers have been suspended.
Reports indicate that the SHO of Shahpur police station has also been suspended. The PIL demands security for the victim’s family and accountability for those found guilty.
Following the incident, protests erupted in several districts of Bihar. In Gopalganj, hundreds of citizens, social activists, and members of various organizations held a candlelight march from Post Office Chowk to Thana Chowk.
Protesters alleged that legal procedures and human rights were violated during the encounter. Many claimed that Bharat Tiwari had surrendered before the shooting and labeled the incident as a planned murder.
Protests also occurred in Kaimur district, where political activists and social organizations marched from Bhabhua Municipality Ground to Ekta Chowk. During the demonstrations, leaders demanded severe punishment for the guilty parties.
–
Leave a Comment