AN ENCOUNTER PUT THE POLICE AND GOVERNMENT UNDER SCRUTINY

AN ENCOUNTER PUT THE POLICE AND GOVERNMENT UNDER SCRUTINY

24-JUNE-ENG 10

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA---------------------------Samrat Chaudhary took the oath as the Chief Minister of Bihar on April 15, 2026. Things were proceeding smoothly until, exactly two months later on June 17, an encounter took place in Bhojpur that changed the situation entirely. The Shahpur police shot dead Bharat Bhushan Tiwari in an encounter. This incident has raised questions not only among the general public and the opposition but also within the ruling party's own ranks. Political analysts observe that the Samrat government appears to be in a tight spot.

Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary also holds the Home portfolio; consequently, the opposition holds him directly accountable for law and order and the conduct of the encounter. Sharp remarks from BJP leaders following the Bharat Tiwari encounter have caused embarrassment for the government. Union Minister Satish Chandra Dubey, former Union Minister Ashwini Choubey, National Secretary Rituraj Sinha, Education Minister Mithilesh Tiwari, and Minister Vijay Sinha have all condemned this alleged encounter.

Why is the ruling party, alongside the opposition, questioning police action? To understand this, one must examine the details of the Bharat Tiwari encounter. It is not as if questions had not been raised regarding encounters in previous months—Tejashwi Yadav had previously alleged that encounters were targeting specific castes—but the major uproar erupted only after the Bharat Bhushan Tiwari incident.

Bharat Bhushan Tiwari, a resident of Belauti village under the Shahpur police station area in Bhojpur district, was killed by the police in an encounter on June 17. He was known in his village and the surrounding areas as someone who consistently raised his voice against local issues and corruption.

He was actively working on the rehabilitation of people displaced by Ganga riverbank erosion in the Joainiya area and commanded significant influence among the youth. Bharat, who described himself as a revolutionary, also kept weapons. This also led to a conflict between him and the police.

Two days prior to the encounter on June 17, a confrontation arose with the police. It began when Bharat Tiwari posted on Facebook, stating that the country needed a "revolutionary war." During this time, he allegedly threatened to kill the Jagdishpur SDM. Consequently, the police visited his home, but he was not found there.

The following day, June 16, a photograph of Bharat holding a weapon went viral on social media, prompting the police to visit his house again. While speaking with the officers, he started a Facebook Live stream, accusing the police and administration of plotting to kill him in an encounter. However, the police later described Bharat as "mentally unstable."

Early on the morning of June 17, Bharat went live on Facebook again; comparing himself to freedom fighter Bhagat Singh, he reiterated his call for a revolution. During the broadcast, he also threatened the police in his characteristic manner. Later, the police received information that Bharat Tiwari possessed an illegal weapon and might be planning to commit a violent act. Acting on this intelligence, the police arrived at Bilauti village.

Upon the police team's arrival in the village, a confrontation ensued with Bharat Bhushan Tiwari. The police claim that Bharat attacked their team. Attempts were made to defuse the situation through dialogue, but he refused to yield and continued firing. Faced with this, the police were forced to open fire in self-defense. Critically injured, he was first admitted to Ara Sadar Hospital and subsequently referred to PMCH, where he passed away.

Although the police maintain that the firing was a retaliatory act in self-defense, his family and local residents allege that Bharat had already discarded his weapon. Despite this, the police shot him multiple times, resulting in his death. His father describes the incident as murder.

Several videos related to the encounter have surfaced, presenting a picture that contradicts the police's claims. The video clearly shows Bharat Tiwari tossing his pistol towards the police after a conversation with them. This inevitably raises the question: why was he shot after he had already surrendered his weapon?

Shortly after the encounter, Mithilesh Tiwari, the Education Minister in the Bihar government, issued a stern statement. He remarked, "While the young man's behavior and brandishing of a weapon were wrong, the police should have first investigated his criminal history and the entire situation." The minister also demanded an impartial inquiry into the matter.

Former Deputy CM and Agriculture Minister Vijay Sinha also expressed displeasure regarding the encounter. He described the incident as deeply tragic and unfortunate, noting that there had been negligence on the part of the police. He assured that the government is treating the matter seriously.

"The administration had options to handle the situation, yet there was negligence somewhere. The government's goal is to make Bihar free from crime and corruption, but no innocent person should face harassment." – Vijay Kumar Sinha, Minister, Bihar Government.

Union Minister Satish Chandra Dubey also expressed concern over the incident and offered condolences to the family of the deceased. He called for an impartial investigation, emphasizing that justice must not only be done but also be seen to be done. He also advised against drawing final conclusions until the investigation report is released.

Former Union Minister Ashwini Choubey has taken a strong stand on the issue. He visited the scene of the incident and demanded a high-level inquiry, stating that shooting Bharat Tiwari after he had surrendered was wrong. The BJP leader went so far as to label the police administration as "murderers."

"I have resolved that if..." "If the aggrieved family does not receive justice within the stipulated timeframe, I will stand firmly with them and fight this battle for justice at every level. A true tribute to the late Bharat Tiwari would be for his family to get justice and for the guilty to be brought to book." – Ashwini Choubey, Former Union Minister.

Bharatiya Janata Party National Secretary Rituraj Sinha stated that while maintaining law and order is essential, it is equally important to ensure that the protectors do not turn into predators. He termed the public anger in the Shahabad region justified and demanded a judicial inquiry into the entire matter.

"The death of Bharat Bhushan Tiwari is tragic and concerning. Prima facie, it appears that the guidelines regarding encounters may not have been fully adhered to. An impartial investigation is necessary to bring the truth to light." – Rituraj Sinha, National Secretary, BJP.

LJPR Chief and Union Minister Chirag Paswan has also strongly condemned the encounter incident. He said, "There is no place for such an incident in a civilized society. An encounter cannot be the solution to any problem."

Amidst the unfolding events, only two leaders have extended their support to the stance taken by the Chief Minister and Samrat Choudhary. Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi and Bihar government minister Ram Kripal Yadav have justified the action. Manjhi stated that it was necessary for maintaining law and order. Meanwhile, Ram Kripal Yadav said, "Whoever challenges the police will face a response in accordance with the law."

"The police have to take action to maintain law and order. If you challenge the police—or the entire system—by brandishing an illegal pistol, it is considered right, but now that the police have retaliated and taken them down, it is deemed wrong." "This won't do; a fitting response will be given." – Jitan Ram Manjhi, Union Minister and Patron, HAM Party.

However, following mounting pressure and public outcry, the Bihar government has ordered a judicial inquiry. Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has announced that the probe will be conducted by a retired judge of the Patna High Court. Four police personnel, including a Station House Officer (SHO), have been suspended in connection with the case, yet public anger shows no signs of subsiding.

Controlling corruption and crime figures prominently among Samrat Choudhary's priorities since assuming office. It is said that he is attempting to implement the 'Yogi model' in Bihar. Notorious criminals are being eliminated. Consequently, the Bihar Police have been given a free hand, but the Bharat Tiwari encounter has complicated matters for him. Leaders and allies within the coalition have also begun raising questions, although BJP spokespersons maintain there is no pressure whatsoever.

"The Ara incident is tragic. The government has already announced a judicial inquiry. As for the statements made by party leaders, they are simply expressing their views and suggesting a way forward for the government. There are no factions within the party; everyone is working under the leadership of Samrat Choudhary. Through these statements, the leaders have merely offered suggestions to the government." – Bhupendra Yadav, Spokesperson, BJP.

Senior journalist and political analyst Kaushalendra Priyadarshi observes that the encounter incident is indeed tragic. A distinct brand of internal politics has played out within the BJP regarding the entire episode. Several senior party leaders have openly challenged the government. While resentment towards Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary already existed among some leaders, they became vocal once the opportunity arose.

Priyadarshi notes that the encounter has become a major liability for Samrat Choudhary. Since Bharat Tiwari belonged to the 'Upper Caste' community, the politics surrounding the issue have taken a similar turn. He points out that, with the exception of Chirag Paswan, most of the leaders raising questions over the encounter hail from the Upper Caste community.

"There was already underlying resentment among BJP leaders regarding Samrat Choudhary." "The party appointed him Chief Minister based on caste considerations, but the Bharat Bhushan Tiwari encounter incident has given an opportunity to disgruntled leaders. There is no doubt that many leaders want Samrat Chaudhary to be sidelined." — Kaushalendra Priyadarshi, Senior Journalist.