Bhojpur: Fourteen days after the police encounter in which Bharat Tiwari was killed, the campaign seeking justice for him continues to gather momentum. On Tuesday, thousands of people attended the 13th-day funeral ritual (terahvi) at his residence, with supporters from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Haryana joining local residents and political leaders to pay their respects.
According to those associated with the family, nearly 20,000 people visited Bharat Tiwari’s home to offer condolences. Amid the large turnout, attention has focused on five individuals and groups who have played prominent roles in supporting the family through legal proceedings, public mobilisation and social media campaigns.
The family and supporters have questioned the police version of the encounter, calling for an impartial investigation and the arrest of the police personnel named in the FIR registered following the incident. Authorities have not publicly responded to these specific allegations.
Pankaj Tripathi, a social activist from Bilauti village and a close associate of the family, has emerged as one of the key organisers of the movement. He has coordinated large community meetings, including a “Mahapanchayat,” demanding a fair probe into the encounter. He also helped organise funeral arrangements and community meals attended by thousands of mourners.
The legal battle is being led by Supreme Court advocate Anil Kumar Mishra from Gwalior. According to the family, Mishra has taken up the case, seeking legal remedies including an independent investigation, registration of the FIR, witness protection and a court-monitored probe.
Another prominent supporter is Dr. Anil Kumar Singh ‘Anal’, National Convenor of the Kshatriya Karni Sena and Akhand Karni Party, who has backed the family’s demand for justice. His organisation has organised protests, demonstrations and public campaigns, urging authorities to ensure accountability in the case.
Social media influencer and YouTuber Tiger Yadav has also played a significant role by covering the family’s version of events through videos and interviews. With over 1.5 million YouTube subscribers, he has amplified the issue online, where campaigns such as #JusticeForBharatTiwari have gained traction.
The fifth pillar of support comprises around 70 flood-displaced families from Jawainiya village. Many of them claim to have witnessed events surrounding the encounter and have publicly supported the family’s demand for justice. They describe Bharat Tiwari as someone who regularly raised their issues with the administration and say they will continue to participate in protests and public programmes until the matter is resolved.
The circumstances surrounding Bharat Tiwari’s death remain a matter of public debate. While supporters allege the encounter was unjustified, the police version of the incident remains part of the ongoing investigation. The case continues to attract widespread attention across Bihar and beyond.
