IT IS OUTRIGHT MURDER, THE PERPETRATRO DESERVE THE GALLOWS: FORMER DGP

IT IS OUTRIGHT MURDER, THE PERPETRATRO DESERVE THE GALLOWS: FORMER DGP

27-JUNE-ENG 22

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA-----------------------------Former Bihar DGP Abhyanand has expressed his views regarding the high-profile Bharat Bhushan Tiwari encounter case in Bhojpur district. Abhyanand stated that the available visuals clearly indicate this was nothing short of murder. The former DGP reiterated that it is a clear-cut case of murder. Furthermore, he commented on the statement made by Samrat Chaudhary, in which the leader warned criminals to leave Bihar or face being sent to the cremation ground.

Police actions have come under scrutiny following the death of Bharat Bhushan Tiwari, who was killed in an alleged police encounter in Bilauti village (Shahpur, Bhojpur district) on June 17. Bharat Tiwari's family has termed the encounter fake and is demanding capital punishment for the guilty police personnel. Former DGP Abhyanand has now also weighed in on the matter.

Speaking to the news channel 'News 24', the former DGP remarked on the term 'encounter' itself, calling it an inappropriate word. He stated that as long as this term persists, the police's image will not improve. When asked about the police's claim that they fired in self-defense, he noted that while anyone can make such claims, the visuals are so clear that there is little room for doubt. He asserted that, based on the video footage, it is an outright case of murder.

The former DGP added that if it is indeed murder, and provided all evidence is presented during the trial and no witnesses turn hostile, a conviction is certain. He pointed out that for this crime—murder—there are only two possible punishments: the death penalty or life imprisonment. The former DGP further stated that, regarding those directly involved, he believes the punishment will be hanging; the death penalty is a likely outcome for both the person who issued the order and the one who carried out the killing. He added that this also applies to those who were present and complicit. He expressed hope that a thorough investigation would be conducted to trace the source of the order—a process that requires analyzing call details and gathering evidence through cyber forensics. Only then can the problem be resolved at its root. Addressing the concept of a "half-encounter," Abhyanand remarked that if the very idea of ​​an encounter is flawed, then the notion of a "half-encounter" makes no sense. He quipped that one might as well call it a "quarter-encounter"—suggesting that simply chopping off a finger would technically amount to a quarter. He held those who encourage such practices responsible for the situation. Finally, when asked about the Chief Minister's warning that criminals should leave Bihar or face being sent to the cremation ground, Abhyanand stated that such statements should not be made.