Despite judicial probe order, Bihar Opposition intensifies pressure over Bhojpur encounter case

Despite the Bihar government’s decision to order a judicial inquiry into the controversial Bharat Bhushan Tiwari encounter case in Bhojpur district, the state’s Opposition parties—the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Congress and Jan Suraaj—have intensified their campaign over the issue.

An RJD delegation led by former Bihar Assembly Speaker and senior party leader Uday Narayan Choudhary visited the victim’s family on Sunday. The party announced that it would provide all possible legal and financial assistance to the family while also raising questions about the government’s intentions.

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Speaking to the media, Choudhary launched a sharp attack on the state government and the local police administration.

He said the government’s decision to order a judicial inquiry was inadequate and demanded that the matter be investigated by a sitting judge. He also sought strict action against the police personnel involved, including their immediate arrest and imprisonment.

Referring to a video of the alleged surrender that has gone viral on social media, Choudhary questioned why the police allegedly fired four bullets at the youth after he had reportedly laid down his weapon before them.

The RJD leader alleged that the incident was not a genuine police encounter but a premeditated killing carried out under the authority of the uniform.

Bihar Congress president Rajesh Ram also visited the family of Bharat Bhushan Tiwari on Sunday.

Rajesh Ram said the encounter case required a fair and high-level investigation. He demanded an independent and impartial inquiry so that all aspects of the incident could be thoroughly examined.

The Congress leader further said that if the investigation revealed negligence or wrongdoing on the part of any official, strict legal action should be taken against those responsible. He urged the state government and the administration to take concrete steps to ensure justice for the victim’s family.

Meanwhile, Jan Suraaj workers held a candle march at Kargil Chowk in Patna to protest against the alleged police encounter.

Speaking to the media, Jan Suraaj state president Manoj Bharti said Bharat Tiwari had been actively raising public issues for years. “The death of a person who was fighting for public causes in such circumstances is a matter of serious concern,” he said.

Bharti demanded an immediate judicial inquiry into the incident and called for the suspension of all officials involved in the operation until the investigation is completed. He also sought a government job for one member of the victim’s family and compensation of Rs 1 crore.