Patna: The controversy surrounding the police encounter killing of Bhojpur resident Bharat Bhushan Tiwari has intensified, with Bihar Police registering a murder case against a Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), a Station House Officer (SHO), and other policemen allegedly involved in the operation. The state government has also transferred Jagdishpur SDPO Rajesh Kumar Sharma to line duty pending further action.
The development comes seven days after Bharat Tiwari was killed during a police operation in Bhojpur district. The case gained significant attention following allegations by family members and villagers that Tiwari had surrendered before being shot.
According to official sources, SDPO Rajesh Kumar Sharma, who was leading the operation on June 17, has been sent to line duty. A departmental inquiry against him is also likely. Sources said investigators may examine whether senior officers were provided timely and accurate information during the operation.
FIR Registered on Mother’s Complaint
The FIR was registered on Tuesday based on a complaint filed by Bharat Tiwari’s mother, Asha Devi. The case has been lodged against SDPO Rajesh Kumar Sharma, then Shahpur SHO Rajesh Kumar Malakar, and other policemen under Sections 103(1) and 3(8) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Section 27 of the Arms Act.
The investigation has been assigned to Ara Circle Inspector Sanjeev Kumar.
In her complaint, Asha Devi alleged that her son had surrendered by throwing away his weapon during a Facebook Live broadcast before being shot by police personnel. She claimed that officers surrounded Bharat after his surrender and opened fire on him on the orders of the SDPO.
Family Alleges Fake Encounter
According to the complaint, a police team led by the Jagdishpur SDPO visited the family’s residence on the morning of June 17 and persuaded Bharat Tiwari to accompany them to meet flood-displaced residents in Jawainia village.
Asha Devi alleged that after reaching the location, Bharat went live on Facebook, raised issues concerning flood victims, and subsequently threw his weapon to the ground before surrendering. She claimed that police personnel then surrounded him and shot him multiple times before taking him away. The family was later informed that he had died.
Villagers and eyewitnesses have also alleged that Tiwari trusted the police during surrender negotiations and handed over his weapon before being shot. According to local residents, he was initially shot at the spot and allegedly fired upon again while being transported in a vehicle.
Police Maintain Self-Defence Claim
Police officials have denied the allegations, maintaining that the firing was carried out in self-defence.
According to the police version, Bharat Tiwari attempted to escape during the operation and opened fire on security personnel. Officials claimed he pretended to surrender before attempting to pick up his weapon and fire again, prompting personnel of the Special Task Force (STF) to retaliate.
Police records state that STF constable Akshay Kumar fired four rounds below the waist in self-defence, injuring Tiwari. He was later taken to hospital, where he succumbed during treatment.
Fresh Video Raises Questions
Meanwhile, another video related to the encounter has surfaced, reportedly showing police personnel moving towards Bharat Tiwari after he had thrown away his weapon. The footage has added to demands for an independent investigation into the incident.
Questions have also been raised over discrepancies in the police version. While police claimed that Tiwari fired 10 to 12 rounds during the encounter, reports indicate that only two empty cartridges were recovered from the scene.
Judicial Probe Ordered Earlier
The Bihar government had earlier ordered a judicial inquiry into the encounter and suspended four police personnel following public outrage and questions over the circumstances surrounding Tiwari’s death.
The encounter has become a major political issue in Bihar, with opposition leaders and civil society groups demanding accountability. A Mahapanchayat has been called in Bilauti village on Thursday to protest the encounter. Organisers claim participants from several states, including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Delhi, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, are expected to attend.
Political strategist and Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor is also expected to participate in the gathering.
The incident continues to spark debate over police accountability and the use of force during surrender operations, as investigators examine conflicting accounts presented by the police, eyewitnesses and the victim’s family.
