Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Thursday, August 13, announced financial assistance and a government job for a family member of 28-year-old Bharat Tiwari, whose death in a police encounter in Bhojpur district on June 17 had triggered a political controversy.
The Chief Minister said the decision was based on the interim findings of a judicial inquiry ordered into the incident. In a post on X, Choudhary said the state government would provide financial assistance to Tiwari's family and offer a government job to one member.
Tiwari, a resident of Bilauti village under Shahpur police station, was killed after an encounter with a police team that had gone to arrest him on June 17. According to the police version, Tiwari opened fire at the officers using an illegal firearm. The police said they retaliated in self-defence and that Tiwari suffered a bullet injury before later succumbing during treatment.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting, however, were disputed by Tiwari's family. His relatives alleged that he had surrendered before the firing and had thrown away his weapon. A purported video circulated on social media appeared to show Tiwari discarding a firearm shortly before the shooting, adding to questions surrounding the police account.
The incident subsequently became a major political issue in Bihar, with opposition leaders and local residents demanding an impartial investigation into the circumstances of Tiwari's death. Family members and some residents described Tiwari as a social activist who frequently raised public grievances and local issues with government authorities.
Following the controversy, Chief Minister Choudhary ordered a judicial inquiry into the encounter. The interim report has now prompted the state government to announce relief for Tiwari's family.
The case also saw action against members of the police force. Special Task Force constable Akshay Kumar was arrested in connection with Tiwari's death. The arrest came amid continuing scrutiny of the police operation and demands for accountability.
The political opposition has continued to question the nature of the judicial inquiry. Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor has demanded that the investigation be conducted by a sitting judge of the Patna High Court rather than a retired judge. He has also warned of an agitation if the demand is not accepted.
The government's latest announcement is likely to be seen as an attempt to address concerns raised by Tiwari's family while the inquiry into the encounter continues. The financial assistance and employment offer, however, do not by themselves settle the wider questions surrounding the circumstances of the shooting.
With the judicial inquiry still underway, the final findings are expected to remain crucial in determining responsibility and establishing whether the police action was justified under the circumstances.
Leave Your Comment