Patna: Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has made his first public statement on the Bharat Tiwari encounter case, saying the state government is taking the matter seriously and has constituted a high-level judicial inquiry commission.
He said that if any wrongdoing is established during the investigation, strict action will be taken against those responsible. The statement comes eight days after the incident triggered political and public scrutiny in Bhojpur district.
Judicial Inquiry Commission Begins Work
A judicial probe into the encounter has formally begun, with retired Patna High Court judge Vinod Kumar Sinha visiting Bilauti village in Shahpur block on Thursday.
He was accompanied by senior officials, including Shahabad Range DIG Satya Prakash, Bhojpur District Magistrate Tanay Sultania, and Superintendent of Police Raj, as part of the fact-finding process.
The commission is collecting statements from witnesses and examining locations linked to the incident.
Family’s Account and Demands
The team met the family of Bharat Tiwari, including his parents and brother, and recorded their version of events.
After the meeting, his mother Asha Devi demanded capital punishment for those found responsible and called for a CBI investigation, alleging police involvement in the killing.
She said the family wants strict action and accountability at every level.
Administrative Response and Field Visit
Bhojpur SP Raj also visited the family eight days after the incident and spent around an hour with them. He said the visit was aimed at understanding the family’s concerns and assured them of an impartial investigation.
Officials said statements from both sides are being documented as part of the ongoing inquiry.
Public Protest and Mahapanchayat Warning
A mahapanchayat held in Bilauti village on Wednesday saw participants raise strong objections to the encounter. Speakers warned that if the family’s demands are not addressed, protestors may stage a siege of the Bihar Legislative Assembly after the shraddh ceremony.
Authorities have not yet commented on the protest resolution but said the inquiry will proceed based on evidence and due process.
