Bihar CM orders judicial inquiry into Bhojpur police encounter death

The Bihar government on Saturday announced a judicial inquiry into the death of Bharat Bhushan Tiwari, a 28-year-old man who was killed in a police encounter on June 17 in Bhojpur district. Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary stated on X that a retired High Court judge will conduct an independent and impartial investigation into the incident that occurred in Bilaoti village under Shahpur police station.

The case has drawn widespread public attention and protests after the victim's family and several political leaders questioned the circumstances of the encounter. Tiwari, who had no known criminal record and was described by relatives as a social worker, was shot by police after officials said he brandished a weapon and fired at officers. However, a viral video and the victim's own Facebook live broadcast appear to show him surrendering by throwing away his pistol before being shot.

Contradictory statements from the Bhojpur police have fueled suspicions. A press release on June 16 said police had found Tiwari mentally unstable and were arranging to transfer him to a mental health facility. The next day, after the encounter, a second statement claimed Tiwari fired at police repeatedly and that officers shot him in self-defence, striking him in the leg. He died later at Patna Medical College and Hospital.

On June 19, four policemen including a Sub-Inspector and Assistant Sub-Inspector were suspended pending investigation. Tiwari's father, Kashinath Tiwari, said his son was willing to surrender and that there was no need to open fire.

Political reactions have been swift. Janata Dal (United) national working president Sanjay Jha called for a time-bound investigation by a senior official and stressed that any police officer found guilty should face action. Senior BJP leaders also demanded transparency. The judicial inquiry aims to address these concerns and restore public trust in the police.