WHO WAS BHARAT TIWARI

WHO WAS BHARAT TIWARI

20-JUNE-ENG 3

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

BUXAR---------------------------Controversy is mounting over the death of Bharat Tiwari following an alleged encounter in Bhojpur district. Bharat Tiwari, who was injured in a clash with the STF and Bhojpur police near Belauti village under the Shahpur police station area, succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment at PMCH, Patna. Following this, family members and locals have raised serious questions about the police action.

Outrage erupted among the family members upon hearing the news of Bharat Tiwari's death. They placed his body on the road, created a massive commotion, and staged a protest against the police. A tense atmosphere prevailed in the area during this time. The family maintains that Bharat Tiwari was not a criminal but a social worker. He was the son of a retired soldier and had helped many people, particularly in flood-affected areas.

According to the family, Bharat had completed his B.Sc. studies and was looking for a job. After failing to secure employment, he turned to social work and maintained contact with administrative officials. People would also approach him to seek solutions to their problems.

Levelling serious allegations against the police action, Bharat's mother claimed that her son was lured out under false pretenses and killed. She further alleged that he was poisoned before being shot. The mother also accused the SDM of issuing threats and stated that the administration was responsible for her son's death. The distraught family members said that while their son worked for the welfare of society, the police shot him five times and subsequently concealed information about the incident.

Reports indicate that Bharat Tiwari was live on Facebook during the encounter. In the viral video, he is heard firing at the police and describing himself as a 'patriot'. According to the police, Bharat had initially barricaded himself inside the house but later climbed onto the roof, opened fire at the police, and hurled continuous abuse and threats.

Subsequently, a joint team comprising the STF and local police arrived at the scene to arrest him. The police state that he was shot during the retaliatory action and later succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment. An investigation into the matter is underway, and security in the area has been stepped up in light of the situation. Amidst questions being raised regarding the police's conduct in this case, six police personnel—including Shahpur Station House Officer (SHO) Rajesh Malakar—have been suspended. An administrative inquiry into the incident is ongoing, while the family members are demanding a fair investigation and justice.