New Delhi, June 30: The Supreme Court on Monday declined to entertain a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the alleged police encounter of 28-year-old Bharat Bhushan Tiwari in Bihar's Bhojpur district.
A bench comprising Justices M.M. Sundresh and Sheel Nagu advised the petitioner to approach the appropriate High Court for relief. The PIL, filed by advocate Vishal Tiwari, sought registration of an FIR against the police personnel involved in the incident and the constitution of an independent expert committee headed by a former Supreme Court judge to investigate the alleged extrajudicial killing.
Bharat Bhushan Tiwari, a student and local activist from Bilauti village in Bhojpur district, died on June 17 following a police operation. He was known locally for highlighting issues related to alleged corruption and administrative lapses, particularly concerning rehabilitation of flood-affected residents in Jawania village.
Prior to the incident, Tiwari had uploaded videos on Facebook in which he was seen displaying an illegal firearm and issuing threats against local administrative officials. On June 16, the Bhojpur Police stated that Tiwari was "mentally unstable" and that efforts were underway to disarm him and facilitate medical treatment.
According to the police, Tiwari fired eight to ten rounds from an illegal pistol during the operation on June 17, prompting personnel of the Special Task Force (STF) to return fire in self-defence. He was injured in the exchange and later died while undergoing treatment.
However, videos streamed on Facebook Live shortly before the shooting have raised questions about the official version. In one such video, Tiwari is seen standing in an open field, addressing viewers and appearing to throw his pistol toward the police, which his family and local residents claim was an act of surrender. They have alleged that he was shot despite being unarmed.
The incident has sparked political and legal debate in Bihar. Amid public criticism and political pressure, Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary ordered an independent judicial inquiry to be conducted by a retired High Court judge. The state government also suspended four police personnel, including the local Station House Officer (SHO), pending the outcome of the investigation.
Tiwari's father, Kashinath Tiwari, has demanded justice and questioned the circumstances surrounding his son's death.
Speaking to reporters, he said, "People across the world were watching how he was killed. If I don't get justice, then what will I get? The administration, the judges, and everyone were watching as he was killed. They say there will be an inquiry, but no one knows what the outcome will be."
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