Patna, Aug 14: The Bihar government has announced financial assistance and a government job for a family member of Bharat Bhushan Tiwari, who died in an alleged police encounter in Bhojpur district in June, officials said.Tiwari, 28, a resident of Bilauti village, was killed on June 17.
The circumstances surrounding his death later triggered controversy, with his family and some local residents questioning the police account and alleging that the encounter was staged.
The incident followed the circulation of a video in which Tiwari was allegedly seen threatening police personnel while holding an illegal firearm.The controversy prompted action against police personnel and a separate judicial inquiry by the state government.
According to officials, a murder case was registered on June 23 against five police personnel under Section 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The personnel named in the case were also suspended.
Police officer Akshay Kumar, who was allegedly involved in the firing during the incident, was suspended and arrested. His firearm was subsequently seized, officials said.The state Cabinet ordered a judicial inquiry into the circumstances of Tiwari’s death on June 24.
The inquiry is headed by retired Justice Vinod Kumar Sinha.The commission subsequently met members of Tiwari’s family and recorded their statements. It has since submitted an interim report to the state government, according to officials.
Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary said on Thursday that the government’s decision to provide financial assistance and employment to a member of Tiwari’s family was based on the interim findings of the judicial inquiry.The chief minister had earlier met Tiwari’s family in Patna and assured them that the government would take steps to ensure an impartial examination of the case.
Officials said the commission’s report submitted so far is an interim report and has not been made public. The final findings of the judicial inquiry are awaited.
