ACTION MUST BE TAKEN AGAINST THE PERSON WHO ORDERED THE SHOOTING FROM PATNA: PK

ACTION MUST BE TAKEN AGAINST THE PERSON WHO ORDERED THE SHOOTING FROM PATNA: PK

24-JUNE-ENG 33

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA-------------------------Outrage is mounting over the high-profile 'encounter' of Bihar's Bharat Bhushan Tiwari. A *Mahapanchayat* (grand assembly) was held today in his ancestral village, Bilauti, in the Bhojpur district. A large gathering called for the agitation to continue until justice is served. Speaking on the occasion, Prashant Kishor, the founder of the Jan Suraaj Party, stated that action against the person who pulled the trigger is not enough. He asserted that justice would only be achieved if action is taken against those who sat in Patna and ordered the killing. PK accused the Chief Minister and Samrat Chaudhary of promoting an 'encounter culture.'

PK met Bharat Tiwari's family: Prashant Kishor said, "This entire incident is not merely the killing of a Bihari youth by a police officer. So far, the Chief Minister of Bihar has not uttered a single word of condolence for the family. The matter was mishandled from the start, and now, as societal pressure mounts, they are trying to save themselves by making scapegoats of low-level officials."

He stated that, on behalf of Jan Suraaj and as citizens of Bihar, they stand firmly and sincerely with this family. His mother is also present here. PK noted that many people are visiting; some are offering money while others are promising to build a house, but his mother says she wants nothing. She seeks neither money nor a job—only justice for her son. On whose orders was the shot fired? Prashant Kishor stated that justice does not merely mean suspending the Station House Officer (SHO) or taking action against the DSP. He asserted that true justice requires action against the individuals who, while sitting in Patna, ordered the killing of that young man.

The *Jan Suraaj* leader questioned the proposed judicial inquiry, noting that the government has not yet clarified who will conduct it or exactly what will be investigated. Will the probe cover the individuals who came to the house and fired the shot deceitfully, or those who dispatched them to orchestrate this killing?

Targeting Samrat Chaudhary: Prashant Kishor criticized Samrat Chaudhary over his statement justifying the encounter. The *Jan Suraaj* leader remarked that the state's leader needs to explain the situation: "When he stood there making that statement—claiming the DGP informed him a boy was brandishing a gun, and he responded by asking how someone could dare brandish a gun at our police..."

Prashant Kishor stated that this incident is the result of the rhetoric of a leader in Bihar who believes that policing is synonymous with opening fire. He emphasized that the police's duty is not to shoot, but to protect society. When the protectors themselves turn into predators, society must stand up. The entire community stands with Bharat Bhushan Tiwari's family, and we stand with them as well. "He was not insane. The system and the officials drove him to a mental state where he did not know how to cope with the situation. He was not fighting a battle for himself; he was raising his voice for the issues faced by local people, yet he was shot dead. Therefore, action must be taken against those who ordered the shooting as well as those who created such a situation." – Prashant Kishor, Founder, Jan Suraaj Party

Will gherao the CM after 15 days: Prashant Kishor stated that if the family does not receive justice and if the role of the Home Ministry is not investigated, they will not remain silent. He said the government need not worry about the family's sustenance; society would take care of it. Ensuring justice for them is our responsibility. We will go to meet Samrat Chaudhary in 15 days; if he does not meet us, we will stage a *gherao* (protest blockade). We will also appeal to all political parties to extend their support and join us in marching to Patna to secure justice.

What is the case?: On June 17, Bharat Bhushan Tiwari died in a police encounter in Bilauti village under the Shahpur police station area. The police claim he was shot during retaliatory action taken in self-defense, whereas the family alleges he was shot after he had already dropped his weapon. A video that has surfaced clearly shows the police firing at him despite him having surrendered his weapon. Meanwhile, a case has been registered against five police personnel, including the SDPO and the SHO, in connection with this matter.