Bharat Tiwari killing: Chirag Paswan assures family of swift justice in Bhojpur
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Union Minister Chirag Paswan on Friday, 3 July visited the family of Bharat Tiwari — a student and local activist killed in police action in Bhojpur, Bihar — and assured them that those responsible would be punished within days. The family said Paswan, who leads the Lok Jan Shakti Party (Ram Vilas), told them 'the world will be a witness to the justice.'
What the Family Said
Bharat Tiwari's father, Kashinath Tiwari, said the meeting was substantive and the minister's assurances were direct. 'I spoke to him. The conversation went very well. He has assured that within two to three days, all the killers who have committed the crime will be punished,' Kashinath said.
Bharat's brother, Chandan Tiwari, said Paswan had committed to fast-tracked proceedings. 'He has assured that quick action will be taken in the matter. The accused will be arrested at the earliest. He has also said that justice will be ensured and that no culprit will be spared,' Chandan said.
Bharat's mother, Asha Devi, added that Paswan told the family he would personally speak to the Bihar Chief Minister to ensure accountability.
A Disputed Account of the Shooting
Chandan Tiwari disclosed that the family showed Paswan a video of Bharat being brought into Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) — footage he described as deeply disturbing. He also revealed a significant factual discrepancy: Paswan had reportedly been told that Bharat was shot three times, but the family informed him that he was actually shot five times. 'According to him, Bharat was shot thrice, but we told him the truth that he was shot five times,' Chandan said, suggesting the minister had been kept in the dark about the full circumstances of the death.
What Chirag Paswan Said
Condemning the incident in strong terms, Paswan said the manner of Bharat Tiwari's killing was entirely unacceptable. 'The way Bharat Tiwari was killed by some administrative officers is completely unacceptable in any civilised society or internal system. Those who are responsible for maintaining law and order, if they themselves take the law into their hands, then the people of Bihar will lose faith in the justice system,' he told reporters.
He further demanded the strictest punishment for the officers involved. 'It is important that strict action is taken and the strictest punishment is given to those officers who, for their own vested interests, were involved in the killing of Bharat Tiwari,' Paswan added.
Background and What Comes Next
Bharat Tiwari was a student and local activist whose death in police action has drawn significant political attention in Bihar. The case raises pointed questions about police accountability in the state, with a senior Union Cabinet minister now publicly condemning the conduct of administrative officers. Paswan's pledge to engage the Bihar Chief Minister directly signals that the case is likely to face political pressure for a swift resolution. Whether that translates into criminal proceedings against the officers involved remains to be seen.