ROLE OF THE SDM WILL BE INVESTIGATED: MINISTER

ROLE OF THE SDM WILL BE INVESTIGATED: MINISTER

6-JULY-ENG 14

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA---------------------------Bihar Government Minister Dr. Ashok Chaudhary met the family of Bharat Tiwari following the alleged encounter incident that took place on June 17 in Bilauti village, under the Shahpur police station area of ​​Bhojpur district. He is the first minister from the state government to meet the bereaved family during this tragic time. Upon visiting the deceased's residence, he held a detailed conversation with Bharat Tiwari's mother, Asha Devi, his father, Kashinath Tiwari, and other grieving relatives, gathering full details about the sequence of events.

During the meeting, the family termed the police encounter as completely fake. The relatives not only raised serious questions regarding the police action but also alleged massive irregularities in the funds meant for displaced persons from Jawaniya village. Furthermore, they questioned the role of the police and administration regarding Bharat Tiwari's missing mobile phone. After listening to the family's claims, Minister Ashok Chaudhary—viewing the matter prima facie—considered the entire incident to be a case of police overreaction.

The most significant aspect to which the family raised strong objections was the presence and role of the then-SDM during the encounter. The relatives asked the Minister in what capacity and role the SDM was present at the scene. In response, the Minister clarified that no one at the administrative level would be spared. He assured them that an impartial inquiry would be conducted into the SDM's questionable role during the encounter.

The Minister noted that Bharat Tiwari had been consistently fighting for the rehabilitation and legitimate rights of families displaced by Ganga riverbank erosion. He assured the family that all the information and facts provided by them would be incorporated into the investigation. The Minister stated that regardless of who is at fault, no one would escape the reach of the law.

On this occasion, Dr. Ashok Chaudhary also handed over a cheque for ₹5 lakh as financial assistance to the deceased's father, Kashinath Tiwari. Clarifying the questions raised regarding the accused SDPO, the Minister stated that the officer had not been promoted; rather, he had been transferred specifically to ensure an impartial investigation into the matter. The Bihar government has taken this matter extremely seriously. Following the minister's assurances and clear directives for an investigation, the eyes of the local residents are now fixed on the administration's next course of action. This visit signals the government's commitment to securing justice for the affected family and ensures a transparent investigation into every aspect of the incident.