Patna: Bihar Director General of Police Vinay Kumar has said police personnel have the right to open fire in self-defence, while making it clear that officers who use excessive force can face legal action.
His remarks have renewed attention on the June 17 encounter involving Bharat Tiwari in Bilauti village, Bhojpur, amid allegations from Tiwari’s family and supporters that the operation was staged.
DGP Defends Police Right To Self-Defence
Kumar said police deployments are governed by established rules and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). He added that provisions exist to take action against personnel found to have used excessive force.
At the same time, he said police officers must be able to protect themselves when confronted with a serious threat.
The DGP questioned the purpose of providing police personnel with firearms and training if they could not use them when necessary. He stressed, however, that the right to self-defence does not permit arbitrary use of force.
An officer found to have used excessive force could face arrest and prosecution, Kumar said.
Questions Over June 17 Operation
According to the police account, Bharat Tiwari opened continuous fire during the operation in Bilauti village on June 17, prompting police to retaliate. Tiwari sustained a gunshot wound to his leg and died while being taken to hospital.
His family and supporters have disputed the police version. They have alleged that Tiwari had surrendered but was still shot.
The allegations led to an order for a judicial inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the encounter.
11 Police Officers Named
According to Senior Advocate Sanjeev Kumar Singh, who is representing Tiwari, 11 police personnel have been named as accused in the case.
Singh said the accused include officials associated with the police and Special Task Force, including the then SDM, SDPO and SHO.
STF officer Akshay Kumar has also been arrested, according to reports. It has been alleged that he fired the first shot at Tiwari.
Inquiry To Examine Use Of Force
The DGP’s remarks have brought renewed focus on the distinction between lawful self-defence and excessive use of force.
The judicial inquiry will be expected to examine the circumstances of the operation, including the sequence of events, the alleged firing and the roles of the police personnel involved.
The findings could determine whether the force used during the operation was justified under the applicable rules.
Government Announces Assistance
Amid the controversy, the Bihar government has announced a government job and financial assistance for a member of Bharat Tiwari’s family.
The assistance does not resolve the legal questions surrounding the encounter, which remain subject to the ongoing inquiry.
The inquiry report is expected to be significant in determining the next course of action in the case.
