Patna: The alleged police encounter of Bharat Bhushan Tiwari in Bihar’s Bhojpur district has taken a fresh turn as the judicial commission constituted by the Bihar government began its enquiry into the controversial incident. However, the deceased young man’s mother, Asha Devi, objected to the presence of Special Task Force (STF) personnel during the enquiry team’s visit.
A commission headed by retired Patna High Court Judge Vinod Kumar Sinha visited Bilauti village on Thursday to examine the circumstances surrounding the June 17 encounter.
The visit witnessed emotional scenes as Asha Devi, strongly objected to the presence of STF personnel accompanying the enquiry team.
According to family members, Asha Devi alleged that members of the STF were involved in the encounter killing of her son and questioned why they were present during the enquiry process.
She demanded strict punishment for those responsible for her son’s death and called for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the case.
She told the enquiry commission that she wanted capital punishment for those found responsible for her son’s killing and stated that she had faith in the judiciary to deliver justice.
The family reiterated its demand for an independent investigation by the CBI, arguing that the truth would emerge only through an impartial probe.
Asha Devi informed the commission that her only demand was justice for her son and punishment for those responsible for his death.
She also stated that the FIR lodged against members of Bharat Tiwari’s family had been withdrawn.
The enquiry commission, headed by retired Justice Vinod Kumar Sinha, met the deceased youth’s family members and gathered information regarding various aspects of the incident.
The judicial enquiry was ordered by the Bihar government amid growing public and political pressure and demands for accountability.
The enquiry team also inspected the site of the police encounter.
It is expected to examine witness statements, police records, forensic evidence, and other materials related to the encounter.
Bharat Bhushan Tiwari was killed during a police operation in Bilauti Village under the Shahpur police station area on June 17.
Police officials have maintained that the firing took place in self-defence during an operation.
However, the family alleges that Bharat Tiwari had already surrendered and discarded his weapon before being shot. A video that surfaced after the incident has further intensified the controversy.
The family and supporters claim that the video footage supports their allegations that Bharat Tiwari had already surrendered and discarded his weapon before being shot, while investigators continue to examine the evidence.
A case has already been registered against five police personnel, including the SDPO and the SHO in connection with the incident. Several officers have also faced administrative action as the investigation continues.
(IANS)
