WITNESS’S CLAIM ADDS A NEW TWIST TO THE BHARAT ENCOUNTER CASE

WITNESS’S CLAIM ADDS A NEW TWIST TO THE BHARAT ENCOUNTER CASE

14-JULY-ENG 8

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA-------------------------The judicial inquiry process regarding the Bharat Bhushan Tiwari encounter—which took place on June 17 in Bilauti village under the Shahpur police station area of ​​Bhojpur district—has gained momentum. Crucial testimonies were recorded on Monday, the second day of proceedings, before the judicial inquiry commission constituted to ensure an impartial investigation into this sensitive matter.

Three key witnesses presented their accounts during the hearing presided over by the Commission's Chairman, retired High Court Judge Vinod Kumar Sinha. These witnesses included Bharat Bhushan Tiwari’s sister-in-law Suman Devi, Satyanarayan Chaudhary, and Mantu Kamkar. The Commission questioned them in detail for approximately an hour and a half to gain a clear understanding of every aspect of the incident.

After recording her statement, Suman Devi expressed satisfaction with the Commission's proceedings while speaking to the media. She stated that the Commission had been apprised of all details regarding the incident and the roles played by the officials and police personnel involved. She expressed hope that justice would be served and that strict punitive action would be taken against the guilty.

A statement given by witness Satyanarayan Chaudhary, a resident of Jawainya, has introduced a new dimension to the case. He claimed that Bharat Bhushan Tiwari had surrendered, after which he was taken about 50 meters away from the spot and shot. The witness also mentioned that approximately 35 administrative personnel were present at the scene at the time. The Commission questioned him for about half an hour to thoroughly examine this serious claim.

Given the sensitive nature of the judicial proceedings, tight security arrangements were put in place at the office premises. Adequate police force was deployed to maintain peace and prevent any untoward incidents. Strict surveillance was maintained over everyone entering or leaving the Commission's premises.

It is worth noting that prior to this, on July 11, Bharat Bhushan Tiwari's parents—Asha Devi and Kashinath Tiwari—had also recorded their statements before the Commission. During that time, while speaking to the media, he leveled serious allegations against the SDM, DSP, Station House Officer (SHO), and STF personnel. Currently, a judicial inquiry commission is closely examining the matter. The investigation is progressing rapidly based on witness statements and evidence, raising hopes that the full truth behind the Bilauti encounter case will soon come to light.