DON’T POLITICIZE MY SON’S DEATH:MOTHER

DON’T POLITICIZE MY SON’S DEATH:MOTHER

14-AUG-ENG 2

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

PATNA------------------------The case of Bharat Tiwari—who was killed in an alleged fake encounter while fighting for the displaced residents of Javainya village in Bhojpur, a village affected by Ganga riverbank erosion—is back in the headlines. Bharat Tiwari's mother, Asha Devi, his brother Chandan Tiwari, and a Supreme Court advocate arrived in Patna and spoke exclusively to ETV Bharat. They opposed the politicization of Bharat Tiwari's case, stating that the family sought justice rather than any form of financial aid. The family expressed strong objection to a statement made by Prashant Kishore—the founder of 'Jan Suraaj' and MLA from Bankipur—alleging that Bharat Tiwari's mother had already received ₹50 lakh from the government. Chandan Tiwari stated that their primary objective in visiting Patna was to address this issue and bring the truth to light. Chandan Tiwari stated that if Prashant Kishor possesses any proof that his family has accepted even a single rupee from the government, he should make it public. If no such evidence exists, he must publicly apologize to his mother. The family is adamant about this.

"The family will file a defamation suit and seek an apology through the courts. We have not taken any money from the government, nor have we received any financial aid or support of any kind from any political party." — Chandan Tiwari, brother of Bharat Tiwari

Chandan Tiwari remarked that attempts are being made to gain political mileage by spreading falsehoods about his brother; they will not tolerate this. He added that his brother sacrificed his life for the village, and they seek only justice. His brother, Bharat Tiwari, had dedicated his life to fighting for the rights of the displaced people of Jawainiya village.

He alleged that his brother was targeted for exposing an alleged ₹1,400 crore rehabilitation scam and for raising the voice of the displaced. He demanded an impartial inquiry into the role of the then-SDM in this entire affair and insisted that action be taken if the official is found guilty.

"We do not need money; we want justice for our brother. Strict action must be taken against everyone who conspired to commit the murder and played a role in it." — Chandan Tiwari, brother of Bharat Tiwari

Chandan Tiwari stated that the family's objective regarding financial assistance from anyoneis not about accepting donations or collecting funds. Following Bharat Tiwari's death, some individuals began soliciting financial aid by circulating QR codes in his name. The family had previously denied any involvement in this and reiterates today that they have no connection to such activities.

Chandan Tiwari stated that when villagers expressed their outrage after Bharat Tiwari's death, FIRs were registered against more than 50 people under various sections of the law. He mentioned meeting the District Magistrate of Ara to demand the withdrawal of all cases filed against the innocent villagers; the district administration has assured a positive response.

During the conversation, Bharat Tiwari's mother, Asha Devi, became emotional several times. She remarked that only someone who has lost a young son can truly understand the pain of such a loss. She alleged that some people had previously sought votes during elections by wearing her son's photograph around their necks, yet now they are making false accusations by turning his death into a political issue. She stated that she has not accepted a single penny from the government and urged people not to politicize her son's death, adding that money would not alleviate her pain.

"My son will not return. We only want justice. Strict action must be taken against everyone involved in my son's murder. If anyone is found guilty, they should face severe punishment, such as hanging." — Asha Devi, Bharat Tiwari's mother.

Asha Devi reiterated her demand for action against the specific official whom the family has consistently accused. She demanded action against the SDM involved in a ₹1,400 crore scam. Although the Chief Minister has assured that action will be taken against the guilty—and some arrests have already been made—she maintained that true justice will not be served until all the perpetrators are punished.

Asha Devi stated that she would tell those politicizing her son's death that one only realizes what a mother goes through when one loses their own young son. She added that she intends to approach the court and file a defamation suit. To those who have sought votes by clutching a photograph of her son and are tarnishing the family's reputation, she would simply say: stop seeking political gain from this.

Supreme Court advocate Sanjeev Kumar also raised serious questions regarding the investigation. He noted that, according to the available post-mortem report, Bharat Tiwari sustained a total of five gunshot wounds, and the timing of these shots was recorded. The time interval between the initial two shots and the subsequent ones was also documented. He stated that, based on the report, the remaining shots were fired approximately 15 minutes after the first two; the entire incident unfolded over a span of about 25 minutes.

The advocate pointed out that evidence suggests the shots were fired from different weapons. Sanjeev Kumar mentioned that while an SIT member has been arrested in connection with the case, the investigation is ongoing, and the post-mortem report raises several questions that necessitate an impartial and scientific inquiry.

"This matter is currently sub judice in the Supreme Court, and an investigation is also underway at the state level. The family's sole demand is for a proper investigation—one conducted impartially and without pressure—and for strict legal action to be taken against anyone found guilty." – Sanjeev Kumar, Advocate, Supreme Court.

On June 17, 2026, the police killed Bharat Tiwari in an encounter. The police alleged that Tiwari used to brandish weapons in the village and threaten officers. Although the police repeatedly asked him to surrender, he continued to fire intermittently. The police stated that they opened fire in self-defense, resulting in Tiwari's death.

However, the family and villagers maintained that Bharat Tiwari was not a criminal but someone who worked for the welfare of society and fought for basic amenities in the village. They claimed that Tiwari had actually surrendered by throwing down his pistol, yet the police shot him anyway. Opposition parties and the public have termed the incident a "fake encounter."

So far, action has been taken against the officers involved in the encounter. Five police personnel, including the Station House Officer (SHO) of Shahpur in Bhojpur, have been suspended. The STF jawan who fired the first shot in July has also been arrested. A case has also been registered against the Jagdishpur SDPO.