Patna, July 3 (IANS) The political debate surrounding the high-profile Bharat Tiwari encounter in Bihar’s Bhojpur district continues to intensify. While opposition parties have raised questions over the police action, Union Minister and Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) chief Jitan Ram Manjhi has defended the police, saying they acted within the framework of law and established procedures.

He urged people not to reach conclusions before the ongoing judicial inquiry is completed. Speaking to reporters in Patna, Manjhi said the primary responsibility of the police is to maintain law and order.

He argued that the officers had to act in a difficult situation and suggested that they themselves could have come under attack had they failed to respond.

He emphasised that a judicial inquiry into the encounter is already underway and said any assessment of the incident should be based on the findings of that inquiry rather than speculation.

Asked about Union Minister Chirag Paswan’s visit to Bharat Tiwari’s family and his proposed participation in a Mahapanchayat, Manjhi said every political leader has their own style of functioning and approach to public issues.

“Must we do exactly what Chirag does? We have our own clear standpoint, and we act accordingly,” he said.

Manjhi also questioned the narrative surrounding the incident, asking why a case had been registered against Bharat Tiwari under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act if he was entirely innocent.

He further said that the legality and licence of the revolver reportedly linked to the case should also be examined as part of the investigation.

He maintained that the police do not act with the intention of killing individuals but to enforce law and order.

Referring to the encounter, Manjhi argued that if the intention had been to kill, the police would have fired at vital parts of the body rather than below the waist.

While acknowledging that the loss of life was tragic, he said it would be inappropriate to describe the incident as a deliberate killing before the judicial inquiry reaches its conclusion.

Responding to questions about the promotion of police officers associated with the encounter, Manjhi said the registration of an FIR against an officer and a finding of guilt after due legal process are two separate matters.

“Action will be taken if the officials are found guilty; however, keeping them inactive for a prolonged period without their guilt being proven is not appropriate either. Bihar is already grappling with a shortage of police personnel,” he said.

Explaining why he chose not to attend the proposed Mahapanchayat, the Union Minister said he wanted to avoid any situation that could disturb public order.

“I stayed away from the Mahapanchayat to uphold social harmony and peace. The current leadership in Bihar is working towards development and good governance, and any form of social tension would not be in the state’s interest,” Manjhi said.

The Bharat Tiwari encounter continues to generate sharp political reactions in Bihar, with differing views emerging from leaders across the political spectrum.

Meanwhile, the judicial inquiry into the incident remains underway, and its findings are expected to play a crucial role in determining the next course of action.

–IANS

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