How Many Bullets Hit Bharat Bhushan Tiwari? Post-Mortem Report Sparks Fresh Political and Legal Debate
Ara/Bhojpur: The controversial encounter of Bharat Bhushan Tiwari in Bihar's Bhojpur district continues to raise new questions. One of the biggest mysteries surrounding the case has been the exact number of bullets that struck Bharat Tiwari during the police operation. For several days after the encounter, there was no official confirmation regarding the number of bullet injuries. While some reports claimed he was hit by three bullets, others suggested four. However, the post-mortem report has now reportedly revealed that Bharat Tiwari sustained five bullet injuries, which ultimately led to his death.
The revelation has intensified the controversy. While the police maintain that the encounter was a lawful act of self-defense, Bharat's family members and several local residents continue to allege that it was a fake encounter and are demanding an impartial investigation.
Controversy Over the Number of Bullets
On June 17, Bharat Bhushan Tiwari was involved in an encounter with the police in Bilauti village under Shahpur police station limits in Bhojpur district. He was seriously injured during the exchange of fire and later died while undergoing treatment at a hospital.
Initially, the police did not officially disclose how many bullets had hit him. This led to widespread speculation and conflicting claims. According to the post-mortem report that has now surfaced, Bharat suffered five bullet wounds, adding a new dimension to the ongoing investigation and raising several important questions.
Mother's Allegation
Bharat Tiwari's mother has alleged before the Judicial Inquiry Commission that her son was shot even after he had been overpowered. She claimed that Bharat sustained five bullet injuries and demanded a fair and independent investigation into the incident.
The police, however, have rejected these allegations and continue to insist that the encounter was conducted in accordance with the law.
Police Version
According to Bhojpur Police, Bharat Bhushan Tiwari was wanted in several criminal cases. Police officials claim that when they attempted to arrest him, he opened fire on the police team and also fired at a government vehicle.
The police further stated that Bharat was repeatedly asked to surrender, but he continued firing. As a result, the police responded in self-defense, leading to the encounter. Officials maintain that all legal procedures were followed during the operation.
Viral Videos Raise Fresh Questions
Several Facebook Live videos allegedly recorded by Bharat Tiwari during the encounter have gone viral on social media. His family claims that the videos show Bharat throwing away his weapon before he was shot. They allege that despite surrendering, he was fired upon by the police.
The police dispute this claim, saying the viral videos do not capture the complete sequence of events and that the operation was carried out in self-defense. This contradiction has now become a key point in the judicial inquiry.
Judicial Probe Underway
Given the growing controversy, the Bihar government has ordered a judicial inquiry into the encounter. The commission is currently recording statements from Bharat's family members, eyewitnesses, and police personnel.
The inquiry will also examine the post-mortem report, medical records, forensic evidence, ballistic reports, and available video footage before arriving at any conclusion.
Political Issue
The encounter has now evolved beyond a police operation and has become a significant political issue in Bihar. Several political parties and social organizations have demanded an impartial investigation.
A Mahapanchayat (public gathering) was also organized in Bharat's native village, where participants demanded strict action against the police personnel found responsible if any wrongdoing is established.
Action Against Police Personnel
Considering the seriousness of the allegations, departmental action has reportedly been initiated against some police personnel. Investigations are continuing at multiple levels.
The state government has stated that if the inquiry finds any negligence or violation of legal procedures, strict action will be taken against the officials responsible.
Family's Demand
Bharat Tiwari's family says they are seeking justice. They have demanded that an independent investigation be conducted and that murder charges be filed against the police officers if any misconduct is proven.
The family has also urged the authorities to make the post-mortem report, ballistic report, and other investigation documents public to ensure complete transparency.
Several Questions Still Remain
Although the post-mortem report reportedly confirms that Bharat Tiwari sustained five bullet injuries, several important questions remain unanswered:
- How many rounds were fired by the police during the encounter?
- Which bullet proved fatal?
- Were all the bullets fired from police service weapons?
- Why do the viral videos appear to contradict the police version of events?
- What will the forensic and ballistic examinations ultimately conclude?
These questions are expected to be answered only after the judicial inquiry and forensic investigations are completed.
For now, the Bharat Bhushan Tiwari encounter remains one of Bihar's most closely watched and debated cases. The reported finding that he suffered five bullet injuries has added a new layer to the controversy, but the final conclusions will depend on the outcome of the judicial inquiry and the official investigation reports.
