Patna, June 20 (AHN) The controversy surrounding the police encounter of Bharat Bhushan Tiwari in Bihar’s Bhojpur district has taken another significant turn, with the matter now reaching both the National and State Human Rights Commissions.

Human rights lawyer S.K. Jha has filed separate petitions before the National Human Rights Commission in New Delhi and the State Human Rights Commission in Patna, seeking an independent investigation into the incident.

In his petitions, Jha sought several measures, including registration of an FIR against all police personnel involved in the encounter, an independent investigation under the supervision of a retired judge, strict legal action against any police officials found guilty, adequate compensation for the victim’s family, and a fair and impartial inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death.

According to the lawyer, the case constitutes a serious human rights issue and therefore requires an independent investigation to establish the facts.

Bharat Bhushan Tiwari, a resident of Bilauti village under the Shahpur police station area in Bhojpur district, was killed during a police encounter.

Since the incident, conflicting claims have emerged regarding the circumstances of the shooting. The police have maintained that Tiwari opened fire on the police team, prompting retaliatory action.

However, family members and several political leaders have alleged that he had surrendered before being shot. Videos circulating on social media have further intensified public debate and raised questions about whether established police procedures were followed.

The encounter has already triggered strong political reactions across Bihar. Leaders from both the opposition and the ruling alliance have sought a transparent investigation into the incident.

The Bihar government has announced a judicial inquiry into the case, to be conducted by a retired High Court judge. In addition, several political parties, social organisations, and rights groups have demanded an impartial probe.

The petitions before the human rights commissions add another dimension to the case, focusing specifically on potential human rights violations and accountability.

Cases involving deaths during police encounters often attract scrutiny from human rights bodies, particularly when there are allegations of excessive force, procedural violations, or disputed circumstances.