The Bihar government has ordered a judicial inquiry into the alleged fake encounter of 28-year-old Bharat Bhushan Tiwari in Bhojpur, amid claims he had no criminal record and was engaged in social work. The incident has sparked widespread protests and public outrage, with even ruling party leaders questioning the police’s version of events.
The Bihar government on Saturday, June 20, 2026, ordered a judicial inquiry into the alleged fake encounter of Bharat Bhushan Tiwari (28), who died on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, in Bhojpur district under the Shahpur police station area.
Multiple people, including leaders from the ruling party, have questioned the police encounter, alleging the man had no criminal record and was involved in social work.
The incident has triggered widespread public anger and protests across the region.
Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary informed the public on X, saying,
“It has been decided to conduct a judicial inquiry by a retired High Court judge for an independent and impartial investigation of the police encounter that took place on 17.06.2026 in Bilaoti village under the Shahpur police station area of Bhojpur district. The objective of the judicial inquiry is to ensure a thorough investigation of all aspects of the incident with complete impartiality and transparency.”
Bhojpur Police Faced Criticism After Contradictory Statements
The Bhojpur police came under criticism after the Superintendent of Police (SP) office issued two different explanations in press statements dated June 16 and June 17, 2026.
In the June 16 statement, the police said,
“Shahpur Police Station received information that a man was roaming around carrying a weapon but the police team discovered him mentally unstable. For the safety of the public, a process to transfer him to a mental health facility for treatment and care has been initiated. The police team is making continuous efforts to safely recover the weapon from his possession,“
However, in the next day’s statement after the alleged encounter the police claimed,
“On June 17, 2026, at approximately 09:00 AM, the police received information that an individual named Bharat Bhushan Tiwari was brandishing a pistol and firing into the air. The police and the Bhojpur STF team repeatedly called upon the individual to surrender; however, he continued to fire intermittently at the police with the pistol he was holding. His actions posed a grave threat to the lives and safety of the police team and the general public.”
The statement further said,
“To bring the situation under control, STF personnel equipped with bulletproof jackets attempted to close in on the individual. When the police went close to him, the individual fired at the police; in response, the police team opened fire in self-defense and to protect the public, striking the individual in the leg. The individual subsequently passed away while undergoing treatment at Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH), Patna. Further action is being taken.”
Later, a video reportedly went viral on social media the same day. In the footage, the deceased was allegedly seen surrendering by throwing his pistol away after the police arrived in the village.
The claim was also supported by the victim’s Facebook Live broadcast, which he reportedly started when police reached the area. The video further showed that he demanded that politicians honour promises they had made.
On the evening of June 19, four policemen including a Sub-Inspector and an Assistant Sub-Inspector who were reportedly present during the encounter were suspended. The father of the deceased, Kashinath Tiwari, questioned the need to fire, alleging that Bharat had been willing to surrender.
On the same day, Janata Dal (United) national working president and Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Jha said,
“The video that has surfaced in the Bharat Tiwari encounter case certainly raises suspicions. The State government has swiftly suspended four policemen, but that is not enough. A time-bound investigation into this matter should be conducted by a senior official, and action should be taken against the guilty. When the government says that no criminal will be spared, it is not just for criminals. If a policeman commits any crime, he too should not be spared; action should be taken against them as well.”
Senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader and former Union Minister Ashwni Choubey also criticised the incident, posting,
“This incident brings shame to our democracy. Bharat Bhushan Tiwari was a strong voice for ST, SC, OBC, the impoverished and marginalised sections. He was brutally shot dead by the police after he had already surrendered.”
He urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to take cognisance of the case, order an immediate high-level inquiry, and ensure strict action against the officers responsible.
Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav has demanded an apology from the Chief Minister, raising concerns over an FIR reportedly filed against family members of the deceased.