Ara/Patna: Thousands of people began arriving in Bilauti village in Bihar’s Bhojpur district on Wednesday for a Mahapanchayat organised in support of demands for justice in the Bharat Bhushan Tiwari encounter case, turning the village into the centre of a growing public campaign seeking accountability for his death.
The gathering comes more than a week after Tiwari died following a police operation on 17 June, an incident that has sparked legal challenges, political reactions and sustained protests by family members and supporters.
Posters bearing Tiwari’s image have been erected across Bilauti and along nearby roads leading to the village. Many of the posters describe him as a martyr and call for justice, reflecting the emotional intensity surrounding the case.
Father Appeals For Justice Despite Ill Health
Amid the preparations for the Mahapanchayat, concern grew over the condition of Tiwari’s father, Kashi Nath Tiwari, whose health has reportedly deteriorated.
Despite his condition, he reiterated the family’s demand for justice, saying those responsible for his son’s death should be punished.
The family has maintained from the outset that suspending police personnel alone would not be sufficient. Relatives have repeatedly called for strict legal action against all those found responsible and have demanded what they describe as the strongest possible punishment.
Village Sees Large Influx Of Supporters
Supporters began arriving in large numbers from early morning, with organisers claiming that attendance could eventually exceed 100,000 people. By afternoon, more than a thousand vehicles had reportedly reached the village.
Ahead of the gathering, groups of supporters carrying the Indian tricolour marched to Tiwari’s residence. Slogans in support of Bharat Tiwari echoed through the village, while some participants also raised slogans directed at the government and administration.
The atmosphere reflected the transformation of the case from a local incident into a broader public movement drawing support from multiple districts and communities.
Political And Community Leaders Expected
Organisers said participants had travelled from various districts of Bihar, while representatives of several social and community organisations from neighbouring states were also expected to attend.
Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor also reached Bilauti and met the grieving family members. He letter addressed the Mahapanchyat as well.
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The Mahapanchayat has emerged as one of the largest public mobilisations linked to the encounter case, bringing together activists, community leaders and supporters seeking a coordinated response.
Encounter Case Reaches The Courts
The controversy stems from a police operation in Bhojpur on 17 June during which Bharat Bhushan Tiwari was shot. He later died while undergoing treatment.
Following the incident, Tiwari’s family challenged the official account of the encounter and lodged a complaint against police officers involved in the operation.
A murder case has since been registered against the Jagdishpur Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), the Shahpur Station House Officer (SHO) and other police personnel named in the complaint.
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The case is also being contested through legal channels, with demands for an independent investigation continuing to gain momentum.
Supporters Rename Local Area In His Memory
In a symbolic gesture ahead of the Mahapanchayat, supporters painted a new name on a signboard in the Bilauti Taad area, renaming it “Shaheed Bharat Nagar”.
Those backing the move said Tiwari had worked on behalf of local residents and flood-affected communities and deserved to be remembered for his contribution to the area.
Whether the renaming receives any official recognition remains unclear, but the action underlined the extent to which Tiwari has become a rallying figure for supporters demanding justice.
