The political debate over the Bharat Tiwari encounter in Bihar’s Bhojpur district is escalating. Opposition parties are questioning the police action, while Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi has defended the police, stating they followed legal procedures. Manjhi emphasized the importance of waiting for the judicial inquiry’s completion before drawing conclusions.
Manjhi highlighted the challenging circumstances the officers faced during the encounter, suggesting they could have been at risk of attack if they did not respond. He stressed the ongoing judicial inquiry’s significance and advised against forming opinions based on speculation. The Union Minister also commented on the differing approaches of political leaders like Chirag Paswan in dealing with public issues.
Questioning the narrative around the incident, Manjhi raised concerns about the case registered against Bharat Tiwari under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. He called for an examination of the legality of the revolver linked to the case as part of the investigation. Manjhi reiterated that the police’s primary role is to maintain law and order, not to cause harm.
While acknowledging the tragic loss of life, Manjhi cautioned against prematurely labeling the incident as a deliberate killing. He explained that actions against officials involved in the encounter would be taken if they are found guilty after due legal process. Manjhi opted not to attend a proposed Mahapanchayat to prevent any potential disruption of public order, emphasizing the importance of social harmony and peace in Bihar.
The Bharat Tiwari encounter continues to spark strong political reactions in Bihar, with leaders expressing varying opinions. As the judicial inquiry progresses, its outcomes are anticipated to influence future actions.
