Patna: Fresh allegations have surfaced in the aftermath of the police encounter of Bharat Tiwari, with his family accusing Jagdishpur Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Sanjeet Kumar of being the “main accused” behind his death and demanding a high-level investigation into an alleged corruption case linked to the rehabilitation of flood-displaced families in Bihar’s Bhojpur district.
Bharat Tiwari’s brother, Chandan Tiwari, claimed that his brother possessed evidence of alleged irregularities in a government-funded development project at Bilauti Mauza, where flood-affected families from Jawainiya village are being rehabilitated.
“My brother had evidence against the SDM on his mobile phone. We mistakenly did not mention the SDM’s name in the FIR, but he is the main accused in my brother’s murder,” Chandan alleged. He also demanded that CCTV footage from the SDM’s office be examined, claiming Bharat was allegedly pushed, abused and forced out of the office during a meeting.
According to Chandan, Bharat had referred to the SDM in social media videos and alleged that he and his family had received threats.
Demand for Independent Probe
The controversy has intensified after senior advocate Saurabh Tiwari wrote to the Bihar Chief Secretary seeking an independent inquiry into alleged financial irregularities in the rehabilitation project for flood-displaced families.
In his letter, the advocate sought an investigation by an officer of the rank of Additional Chief Secretary into the alleged role of the Jagdishpur SDM and the Shahpur Circle Officer (CO). He also requested that both officials be suspended or transferred until the inquiry is completed to prevent any possible tampering with evidence.
Pankaj Tripathi, convenor of a Mahapanchayat organised in Bilauti village following Bharat Tiwari’s encounter, also alleged that the SDM was the key conspirator in the matter. He claimed Bharat’s mobile phone and call records could provide crucial evidence but expressed concern that the data might be tampered with as the device remains in police custody.
Allegations Raised Through Social Media
Before his death, Bharat Tiwari had repeatedly used Facebook posts and live videos to level allegations of corruption against the local administration, particularly Jagdishpur SDM Sanjeet Kumar.
In a Facebook post on June 6, Bharat alleged irregularities in the installation of hand pumps at the rehabilitation site for flood victims at Bilauti village. He claimed he had raised the issue with officials of the Public Health Engineering Department, who had allegedly acknowledged lapses and assured action.
He also accused local administrative officials of corruption in matters related to flood rehabilitation, land allotment and compensation, alleging that the administration was not addressing the concerns of displaced families.
Threats Before Encounter
However, two days before the police encounter, on June 15, Bharat announced through a Facebook Live session that he was preparing to launch what he described as a “revolutionary movement” against the system. During the broadcast, he allegedly threatened to kill the then Jagdishpur SDM and was seen displaying an illegal pistol, stating that he would take the law into his own hands if officials did not change their approach.
In his final Facebook Live video on the morning of June 17, the day of the encounter, Bharat alleged that the police and administration were attempting to portray him as mentally unstable so that he could be forcibly admitted to a mental health institution and his voice suppressed.
Flood Rehabilitation Project
The Bihar government is rehabilitating flood-displaced families from Jawainiya village at Bilauti Mauza, around three kilometres from the Shahpur block headquarters. Each identified family has been allotted three decimals of government land as part of a proposed model township being developed on approximately 5.5 acres.
According to official claims, around 70 families have been identified for rehabilitation. Each family is entitled to Rs 1.20 lakh in financial assistance for house construction, to be released in three instalments. Fifty-two families have reportedly received the first instalment of Rs 40,000, while the remaining beneficiaries are awaiting payment.
Bharat had alleged that the allotted land was low-lying and prone to waterlogging, arguing that the administration should bear the cost of land filling instead of asking beneficiaries to utilise their compensation for the purpose. He also claimed that basic facilities such as electricity and drinking water were initially unavailable at the rehabilitation site and were provided only after his intervention.
Background
Sanjeet Kumar, a Bihar Administrative Service officer from Madhepura district, cleared the 60th–62nd Bihar Public Service Commission examination in his first attempt and was initially posted as Deputy Collector in Begusarai before becoming SDM of Jagdishpur.
Since Bharat Tiwari’s police encounter on June 17, public attention has remained focused on the allegations surrounding the rehabilitation project and the claims made by his family. Authorities have not publicly responded to the latest allegations made by Bharat’s relatives and other complainants.
