Investigation Intensifies; Judicial Commission Chairman Justice Vinod Kumar Sinha Summons Witnesses
Ara/Patna: The judicial inquiry into the highly publicized and controversial encounter of 28-year-old Bharat Bhushan Tiwari in Bilauti village, under the Shahpur police station area of Bihar's Bhojpur district, has significantly intensified. Following the directives of Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary and state cabinet approval, the independent judicial commission has officially commenced its proceedings.
The Chairman of the Commission and retired Patna High Court Judge, Justice Vinod Kumar Sinha, has issued formal summons (notices) to all key witnesses and relevant individuals associated with the incident, ordering them to depose before the commission.
Commission Chairman Conducts On-Site Inspection
As part of the investigative process, Justice Vinod Kumar Sinha, along with his team and senior administrative officials—including the DIG of Shahabad Range, the Bhojpur District Magistrate, and the Superintendent of Police—personally visited the victim's native village of Bilauti. The Chairman meticulously inspected the crime scene and interacted with the deceased's family members, including his mother Asha Devi and brother Chandan Tiwari, to record their initial statements.
"Investigation Will Be Entirely Fair and Transparent" – Justice Vinod Kumar Sinha
Speaking to the media in Ara, retired Justice Vinod Kumar Sinha emphasized that the probe would be completely evidence-driven and unbiased. He stated:
“All parties involved, including the witnesses and the police personnel, will be called sequentially. Every single aspect is being deeply scrutinized. After evaluating all available documents, viral videos, and physical evidence, the comprehensive investigation report will be submitted to the state government within the stipulated timeframe.”
The incident occurred on June 17, 2026, when a joint team of the local police and the Special Task Force (STF) shot Bharat Bhushan Tiwari—a local social activist and student—during an alleged shootout in Bilauti village. He later succumbed to his injuries during treatment.
The Police Version: Law enforcement officials claimed that Bharat Tiwari was firing in the air and, despite repeated warnings to surrender, opened fire on the police team, forcing them to retaliate in self-defense.
Family and Villagers' Allegations: A video of the incident and a Facebook Live broadcast went viral on social media. Based on this footage, the family and local residents allege that Bharat had already thrown his pistol on the ground and surrendered before the police intentionally shot him at point-blank range. They have labeled the incident a cold-blooded "fake encounter."
Action Follows Escalating Political and Social Pressure
The encounter triggered massive political outrage across Bihar, with several leaders from the ruling NDA coalition also questioning the high-handed tactics of the state police. Prompted by widespread public anger, the government suspended six police officers, including the local Station House Officer (SHO), and registered a murder case against them.
While the aggrieved family has expressed faith in the judiciary and the newly formed commission, they continue to demand a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe and the immediate arrest of the accused police officers. With the judicial commission fast-tracking its operations, the complete truth behind the encounter is expected to emerge soon.
