The controversial police encounter of Bharat Tiwari in Bihar has escalated to the Supreme Court. Advocate Vishal Tiwari mentioned the matter before the apex court, requesting an expedited hearing. A division bench comprising Justice B. V. Nagarathna and Justice Joymalya Bagchi has directed the petitioner to present the case before the Supreme Court Registrar to determine the next course of action.
Demands for Action Against Officers and Inquiry Into UP Encounters
The petition seeks the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against the police personnel involved in the encounter. It also calls for punitive actions against the officers who were present at the scene when the incident occurred. Notably, the petition extends its scope beyond Bihar, demanding an investigation into the alleged "full" and "half" encounters that have taken place in Uttar Pradesh.
Political Storm and Statements from Former DGP
The fatal encounter has sparked a major political storm in Bihar and triggered intense debates across social media platforms. Not only the opposition, but several leaders from the ruling alliance have raised serious questions over the police's actions. Former DGP Gupteshwar Pandey has expressed grave concerns, criticizing both the police department and the state government, while stressing the urgent need for an unbiased investigation.
The Day of the Incident and Conflicting Claims
The incident unfolded on June 17 in Bilauti village, located within the Shahpur police station limits of Bhojpur district. The deceased, identified as Bharat Bhushan Tiwari, was a resident of this very village. According to the police version, Bharat Tiwari was armed and posing a threat to the officers. They claim that during a cordon operation, he opened fire, prompting the police to shoot back in self-defense, which injured him. He was taken to Ara Sadar Hospital and subsequently referred to PMCH in Patna, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Conversely, the deceased's family has vehemently rejected the encounter theory, calling it cold-blooded murder. His father asserted that Bharat had surrendered and laid down his arms before the police, yet they chose to shoot him. He also revealed that his son was mentally unstable and that he had previously requested the police to detain him and facilitate medical treatment, a plea that went unheeded.
Viral Video, Road Blockades, and Government Action
Adding fuel to the fire, a video circulated on social media showing a man, alleged to be Bharat Tiwari, surrendering prior to the shooting. This video remains officially unverified. Following his death, angry villagers and relatives staged massive protests, blocking the Ara-Buxar main highway and questioning the police action.
In response to the protests, the police filed three separate FIRs, naming several individuals, including Bharat's father, brother, and the local head (Mukhiya) of the Bilauti Panchayat. The police accused them of blocking the road, disrupting public administration, and disturbing law and order.
Politically, Ara MP Sudama Prasad along with CPI-ML leaders visited the bereaved family, terming the encounter suspicious and highly serious. Leaders from the Jan Suraaj Party have also demanded a transparent probe. In a bid to address the growing outcry, the government has decided to initiate a judicial inquiry. The Chief Minister announced that a retired judge of the High Court will lead the investigation to uncover the truth.
