Bihar orders judicial inquiry into activist police death

The death of a 28-year-old activist in a police encounter in Bihar has escalated into a major political and legal controversy, prompting a judicial inquiry, police suspensions, and a petition before the Supreme Court. Bharat Bhushan Tiwari was fatally shot on June 17 in Bilauti village within Bhojpur district following a police operation.

According to official statements from Bihar Police, a team including local officers and the Special Task Force responded to information that Tiwari was armed and firing in public. Police claim he ignored warnings to surrender and opened fire on the team, leading officers to return fire in self-defense. Tiwari sustained a bullet injury and later died at Patna Medical College and Hospital. Authorities stated a pistol and spent shells were recovered from the scene.

This account has been sharply contested. Videos circulating on social media, though unverified, appear to show Tiwari discarding a weapon moments before shots were fired, leading to allegations of a "fake encounter." Tiwari's family and supporters assert he had surrendered and was unarmed when he was shot. The activist was known locally for campaigning on issues including flood...