CONSTABLE WHO VOWED TO QUIT POLICE JOB TO BE DISMISSED

CONSTABLE WHO VOWED TO QUIT POLICE JOB TO BE DISMISSED

27-JUNE-ENG 21

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA--------------------------The police are set to dismiss Constable Ashish Tiwari, who made headlines after delivering a speech at a *Mahapanchayat* (grand public gathering) organized for Bharat Tiwari—a man killed in a police encounter. Tiwari is an accused in a case involving the firing of a weapon inside a police station and had previously pointed a pistol at his senior officer.

Constable Ashish Tiwari, who declared he would quit the police force during a *Mahapanchayat* held on Wednesday against the controversial Bharat Tiwari encounter in Bihar's Bhojpur district, is facing dismissal. A video of him speaking at the gathering in Bilauti village, Shahpur, went viral, prompting the police headquarters to take cognizance of the matter. An investigation revealed that Ashish Tiwari is posted as a 'Panther Constable.' He is facing charges for pointing a pistol at senior police officers and firing a shot inside the police station; the process to remove him from service is currently underway.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Bihar Police Headquarters confirmed that Ashish Tiwari is a resident of Bilauti village in Bhojpur district and serves as a 'Panther Constable' in the Bihar Police. Two years ago, in August 2022, he had pointed his pistol at senior police personnel at the Piprakothi police station in East Champaran district. He had even fired a shot from his service pistol, causing panic both inside and outside the station.

Ashish has secured anticipatory bail. An FIR was registered against Ashish Tiwari at the Piprakothi police station, charging him under Sections 126(2), 115, 109, 352, and 351(2) of the *Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita* (BNS) and Section 27 of the Arms Act. He has obtained anticipatory bail from the Patna High Court in connection with this case.

Police officials familiar with the matter stated that the process to dismiss Constable Ashish Tiwari is in progress. This step will be taken once the formalities of the departmental proceedings are completed; effectively, the loss of his police job is certain. **Claimed to be Bharat Tiwari's brother:** Ashish Tiwari was seen addressing a gathering at a *Mahapanchayat* held on Wednesday in Bilauti village, Bhojpur district, to protest against the encounter killing of Bharat Tiwari. In a viral video, he is heard stating that if justice is not served to Bharat Tiwari's family within a week, he would quit his police job and launch a massive agitation. He also threatened to lay siege to the police station.

The video of Ashish Tiwari’s speech has sparked widespread discussion on social media. In the speech, Ashish identified himself as Bharat Tiwari's brother; however, according to reports, the family denies having any relationship with him. The police state that Ashish hails from the same village as Bharat.

**Ashish Tiwari’s rampage at the police station and on the road:** According to an FIR registered at the Piprakothi police station in East Champaran district, 'Panther' constable Ashish Tiwari went on a rampage in August 2024. He pointed his pistol at the then Station House Officer (SHO) Khalid Akhtar, as well as a female police officer and a *chowkidar* (village guard). He also fired shots into the air. Police personnel present at the station were seen fleeing to save their lives in the middle of the night.

After leaving the station and reaching the road, the erratic constable stopped passersby, verbally abused them, and threatened them with his pistol. He also brandished his gun at a BJP leader. Subsequently, Ashish locked himself inside a room in the police quarters. Senior officers repeatedly urged him to surrender, but he refused. After a few hours, he abandoned the pistol and fled the scene. He was later granted anticipatory bail by the court. He was also suspended following this incident.