Last Updated on June 18, 2026 6:22 pm by INDIAN AWAAZ
A massive controversy has erupted following an encounter in Bhojpur between local police and an armed youth, Bharat Bhushan Tiwari. While the police maintain that the youth was firing continuously at them, his family has leveled serious allegations, claiming that he was shot only after he had already surrendered.
AGENCIES / STAFF REPORTERS
Ara/Patna: A police operation in Bihar’s Bhojpur district has triggered intense scrutiny after a viral video raised questions over police conduct during an operation that later culminated in an encounter and the death of the accused. The controversy has now led to disciplinary action against police personnel and public protests demanding an impartial investigation.
The incident took place in Bilauti village under Shahpur police station limits, where a police team had reached following intelligence inputs that local resident Bharat Bhushan Tiwari was allegedly in possession of illegal firearms and had been displaying them publicly.
According to officials, the operation took an unexpected turn after the situation became tense at the site. A video that later surfaced on social media allegedly showed the accused openly brandishing a pistol and threatening police personnel in full public view. The footage sparked widespread debate and raised questions about the preparedness, response strategy and operational handling by the police team present at the scene.
Following a preliminary inquiry, Shahabad Range Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Dr. Satyaprakash ordered immediate departmental action. Shahpur Station House Officer (SHO) Rajesh Kumar Malakar was suspended with immediate effect after findings reportedly indicated serious lapses in discharge of duty. The action was taken on the recommendation of Bhojpur Superintendent of Police Raj.
Additionally, one Sub-Inspector and one constable who were present during the operation were also placed under suspension pending further inquiry.
Senior police officials stated that internal findings suggested the personnel deployed at the scene failed to demonstrate the expected level of alertness, preparation and prompt tactical response in what was considered a highly sensitive and high-risk situation.
The controversy intensified after the operation later escalated into a police encounter involving Bharat Bhushan Tiwari. According to police accounts, an exchange of fire took place during which Tiwari sustained bullet injuries. He was subsequently shifted to Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH), where he later died during treatment.
However, the encounter itself has now become a matter of public debate.
On Thursday, anger erupted among family members and villagers after Tiwari’s death. Protesters placed the body on the Ara–Buxar four-lane highway near Bilauti village and blocked traffic for nearly four hours, causing long vehicle queues and disruption to movement.
The protesters alleged that the encounter was staged and demanded an independent and high-level probe into the circumstances surrounding the death.
Police officials attempted multiple rounds of negotiations with demonstrators, but the blockade continued. As tensions escalated and arguments broke out between protesters and security personnel, police carried out a baton charge to clear the highway and restore traffic movement. Reports suggested that several people sustained injuries during the dispersal, although there was no immediate official confirmation.
Authorities maintained that action was taken only after repeated appeals to end the blockade failed. Additional police deployment remained in the area as tensions persisted.
With departmental proceedings underway and questions being raised over both operational conduct and the encounter itself, the case is likely to remain under close public and administrative scrutiny in the coming days.