DEATH WAS HIS DESTINY-THAT’S WHY HE DIED: SUSPENDED SHO

DEATH WAS HIS DESTINY-THAT’S WHY HE DIED: SUSPENDED SHO

24-JUNE-ENG 11

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA--------------------------Rajesh Malakar, the suspended Station House Officer (SHO) of Shahpur—who led the encounter involving Bharat Bhushan Tiwari that has caused embarrassment for both the Bihar Police and the Samrat Chaudhary-led government—has made a highly controversial statement. Speaking irresponsibly, he remarked that those destined to die inevitably meet their end.

"Bharat Tiwari's death was already written in his destiny; that is why he lost his life. Every effort was made to save him, but he could not be saved." – Rajesh Malakar, Suspended SHO, Shahpur.

Justifying the encounter, Rajesh Malakar stated that when their team went to apprehend Bharat Tiwari, he opened fire on the officers instead of surrendering. Consequently, the police were forced to return fire in self-defense. During this exchange, Bharat Bhushan was shot and subsequently died.

Although the suspended SHO argues that Bharat Bhushan Tiwari was shot during retaliatory fire in self-defense, a video that has surfaced clearly shows the police shooting Bharat after he had already discarded his weapon.

Notably, on June 17, the police shot and wounded local resident Bharat Bhushan Tiwari during an alleged encounter in Bilauti village, under the Shahpur police station area. He later succumbed to his injuries during treatment. Bharat, known for being vocal about local issues, had initially pointed a pistol at the police and fired intermittently. However, he was shot after he had thrown down his weapon following negotiations. The police had described him as mentally unstable.

Meanwhile, following persistent questions regarding the incident, the government has ordered a judicial inquiry. Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary announced via social media that a retired High Court judge would investigate the encounter.

Several police personnel have been suspended in connection with this case so far. Shahabad Range DIG Dr. Satyaprakash has suspended Shahpur Station House Officer (SHO) Rajesh Kumar Malakar, acting on the recommendation of Bhojpur SP Raj. Additionally, an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) and several constables have also been removed.