FIR filed over social media threats to Bharat Bhushan Tiwari's family in Bhojpur
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
An FIR has been registered at Shahpur police station in Bhojpur district, Bihar, after the family of Bharat Bhushan Tiwari — killed in a police encounter on 17 June in Bilauti village — alleged they were being continuously threatened through social media. The complaint was filed by the deceased's mother, Asha Devi, who named two residents of Bilauti village as the accused.
The Complaint and Charges
According to the FIR, the accused allegedly used abusive language, made objectionable remarks, and attempted to defame members of the victim's family through social media posts. Police have invoked relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology (IT) Act based on the allegations. Investigators say the enquiry is actively underway.
Divisions Within the Justice Movement
The fresh legal action comes amid reported fractures within the group seeking justice for Bharat Bhushan Tiwari. According to local sources, tensions reportedly intensified after members of the deceased's family met senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders in Patna — including Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, Member of Parliament Manoj Tiwari, and BJP MLC Pawan Singh — to press their demand for justice. Following those meetings, rival factions allegedly traded accusations on social media, with some posts reportedly targeting the victim's family directly.
Cousin Allegedly Assaulted, Video Circulates
The dispute escalated further after Anshu Tiwari, a cousin of the deceased and reportedly a key witness coordinator for the family in the encounter case, was allegedly assaulted in Bilauti village. A video purportedly showing the altercation has been circulating on social media. Police said a local youth has been accused in connection with the alleged assault, and added that formal legal action will follow once a written complaint is received.
Police Response
Officials confirmed that investigations into both the alleged online threats and the assault are underway, and emphasised that action will be taken based on evidence gathered during the enquiry. The dual probes add a new layer of complexity to an already sensitive case that has drawn political attention at the state level.
With two separate investigations now open and political figures already drawn into the matter, the Bharat Bhushan Tiwari encounter case shows no signs of resolution in the near term.