The controversy surrounding the Bharat Tiwari encounter in Bhojpur has now drawn in a fresh and prominent voice. Pandit Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, the head of Bageshwar Dham who is popularly known as Baba Bageshwar, has spoken openly about the case. He has announced that he will travel to Bitauli village in Shahpur to meet Bharat Tiwari's family, and he has stated plainly that even a criminal can only be punished by the courts, and that no one who has already surrendered should be killed. Coming amid a Mahapanchayat held in Bhojpur, his remarks appear to have given the matter a new turn.
Baba to Meet the Family in Bitauli
Baba Bageshwar has declared that he will go to the village to meet Bharat Tiwari's relatives. He described Bharat as a young man who worked for Sanatan and Hindu society. According to him, the questions being raised over the death of a person who served society deserve a fair answer, and the entire case must be investigated transparently.
Questioning the Firing After Surrender
In his statement, Baba said, "A boy who lived for Sanatani Hindutva, Bharat Tiwari who fought for Hindus and Sanatanis, was shot at by the administration after he surrendered." He stressed that even if a person is a criminal, only the judiciary has the right to punish them. He called the killing of someone who had sought refuge a violation of Indian culture and the values of the Ramcharitmanas, the Ramayana, the Vedas and the scriptures.
He Had Walked From Ara to Bageshwar Dham
Baba also recalled that Bharat Tiwari had walked on foot from Ara to reach Bageshwar Dham in Chhatarpur. According to him, Bharat rose above caste divisions and spoke of working for the welfare of Hindu society. That, he said, is why he sees this not merely as the death of one individual but as a question of justice.
A Dispute That Was Already Simmering
The Bharat Tiwari encounter has been mired in controversy from the start. The family alleges that Bharat had laid down his weapons, yet the police opened fire. The police, on the other hand, claim the action was taken in self-defence. Amid the growing row, the state government has ordered a judicial inquiry into the matter. An FIR has also been registered against the police officers concerned under several sections, including that of murder.
Debate Likely to Intensify Nationally
Reactions from leaders of various political parties, social organisations and public figures have been pouring in over the case. Now, after Baba Bageshwar's support and his announcement to meet the family, the discussion around the entire episode is expected to grow louder at the national level. For now, the judicial inquiry is underway and all sides are awaiting its report.
