Patna, June 22 (IANS) The political controversy surrounding the Bharat Tiwari encounter case in Bihar’s Bhojpur district intensified on Monday, with sharp reactions from Opposition as well as ruling party leaders, amid an ongoing judicial inquiry into the incident.

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Manoj Jha raised serious questions over the encounter, claiming that such actions are often meant to suppress facts rather than reveal them.

Speaking to IANS, Jha said, “I have seen the entire sequence of events, and our party has decided to send a delegation as well. But for us, the most important issue is this: an encounter is never just about one individual. An encounter is actually about the truth. Encounters are carried out to conceal the truth.”

He further alleged that encounters are often projected as achievements without addressing the root cause of crime.

“In cases involving accused persons, the focus should be on reaching the root of the crime and understanding the network involved. But when an encounter takes place, it is often done to cover up the truth. Wherever such incidents occur, they raise questions about what is being hidden,” he added.

Meanwhile, Janata Dal (United) National Spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan said the matter is sub judice and the state government would act according to judicial directions.

Rajiv Ranjan said, “The matter is pending before the court, and the state government will follow its directions; however, as questions were raised about the police’s role in the case, Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary ordered a judicial inquiry into the entire matter,” he said.

Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav, on June 20, demanded that Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary visit the family of Bharat Tiwari and tender an apology. He alleged that law and order in the state had collapsed and that innocent people were being targeted while criminals operated freely.

Yadav further accused the police of focusing excessively on prohibition enforcement while corruption and illegal liquor trade continued unchecked. He reiterated the opposition’s demand for an impartial probe, calling the encounter suspicious and raising concerns over the circumstances surrounding the incident.

He also questioned the FIR registered against members of Bharat Tiwari’s family, asking the government to clarify the basis of such action.

The Bihar government has already ordered a judicial inquiry into the encounter. A retired High Court judge will examine the circumstances of the operation, evaluate evidence, and determine whether proper procedures were followed.

According to police, Bharat Tiwari opened fire during the operation, while his family and several political leaders have claimed that he had surrendered before being shot.

–IANS

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