Patna, Aug 13 (IANS) The Bihar Government has announced financial assistance and a government job for a family member of late Bharat Tiwari, following the submission of an interim report by the judicial inquiry commission investigating his death in a police encounter.
Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary announced the decision through his official social media account, stating that the Government would assist the bereaved family based on the commission’s interim findings.
Samrat Choudhary said the judicial inquiry commission, constituted to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident, had submitted its interim report.
Based on the facts and recommendations contained in the report, the state Government has decided to provide financial assistance to Bharat Tiwari’s family.
The Government will also provide a government job to an eligible family member, with the process expected to be completed expeditiously.
The Chief Minister said the Government stands with the family and that the measures were being taken keeping their livelihood and security in mind.
Police shot Bharat Tiwari during an encounter in Bilauti village under Shahpur police station in Bhojpur district in June this year.
According to the police version, Tiwari was carrying an illegal firearm and allegedly attempted to fire at the police.
The police subsequently opened retaliatory fire, and Tiwari later died while undergoing treatment at a hospital.
However, questions were raised over the police account after a Facebook Live video recorded by Tiwari during the incident became public.
The video showed Tiwari throwing his firearm towards the police, which his family and supporters interpreted as an indication that he was attempting to surrender.
Family members and villagers alleged that the incident was a pre‑planned or fake encounter and demanded an impartial investigation.
They also highlighted Tiwari’s activities on social media, including his advocacy concerning the rehabilitation of flood victims and criticism of alleged local administrative corruption.
The incident subsequently became a major political and law‑and‑order issue in Bihar.
Various social organisations and opposition parties joined calls for an independent investigation.
Following the growing controversy, the state Government constituted a judicial inquiry commission headed by a retired High Court judge to examine the incident.
The case has also come under scrutiny before the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) court in Ara.
According to the information provided, the court has taken a serious view of alleged irregularities in the police action and issued non‑bailable warrants against 11 officials and police personnel, including the then SDM, SDPO and SHO of Shahpur.
The court proceedings and the interim findings of the judicial commission have therefore added a new dimension to the case.
–IANS
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