Bihar Orders Judicial Probe into Activist's Controversial Police Killing

The Bihar government has announced a judicial inquiry into the controversial police encounter that killed 28-year-old activist Bharat Bhushan Tiwari in Bhojpur district, as questions continue to be raised over the circumstances surrounding his death.

Tiwari was shot during a standoff with police and Special Task Force (STF) personnel on June 17.

While police claim he opened fire on officers, a video circulated on social media appears to show him throwing away his pistol moments before the shooting, prompting allegations that he was killed after surrendering, ANI reported.

The incident has triggered a political storm in Bihar, with opposition parties demanding accountability and the state government ordering an independent probe led by a retired High Court judge.

Lalu Prasad, Rabri Devi and leader of opposition in the Assembly Tejashwi Yadav returned all security personnel deployed outside their official residences in Patna.

According to police, Tiwari had posted videos displaying an illegal weapon and threatening local officials.

On June 16, Bhojpur Police issued a statement describing him as "mentally unstable" and said efforts were underway to disarm him and shift him to a mental health facility for treatment.

The following day, a standoff involving local police and the Special Task Force (STF) ended with Tiwari being shot.

Police claimed he fired eight to ten rounds from an illegal pistol at officers, forcing them to retaliate in self-defence.

However, a Facebook Live video recorded shortly before the shooting has fuelled controversy.

The footage appears to show Tiwari standing in an open field, speaking to the camera and throwing away his pistol towards police personnel.

His family and several local residents argue that the video indicates he had surrendered and was unarmed when he was shot.

Judicial probe ordered as political pressure mounts

Facing growing public outrage, the Bihar government has ordered a high-level investigation into the incident.

Addressing reporters, Additional Director General (Law and Order) Sudhanshu Kumar said: "A case is registered in the matter. The Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Shahbad has been appointed to oversee the investigation. Furthermore, an inquiry committee has been formed under a retired judge of the High Court to ensure an impartial and transparent probe into the case."

The government has also suspended four police personnel, including the local Station House Officer (SHO), pending the outcome of the investigation.

On Monday, chief minister Samrat Choudhary reiterated that his government would take a tough stance against crime while promising accountability.

"The Bihar government will not bow before criminals. Anyone committing a crime will not be spared under any circumstances. The government is continuously conducting intensive campaigns against criminals and will continue these efforts in the future," Choudhary said.