Bhojpuri actor and singer Khesari Lal Yadav on 22 June visited Bilauti village in Bhojpur district to meet the family of Bharat Tiwari, whose death in a police encounter on 17 June has triggered widespread political and social controversy across Bihar. Khesari offered condolences, provided financial assistance of ₹50,000, and assured the family of his support in their pursuit of justice.

What Khesari Lal Yadav Said

Speaking with family members, Khesari urged them to carry their demand for justice beyond the village and take it to larger public forums and urban centres. He assured them he would stand with them whenever needed.

Addressing the bereaved mother directly, he said that what was destined to happen had already happened, and urged the family not to let Bharat Tiwari's death become 'merely a publicity issue.' He called on them to sustain their movement with resolve.

Khesari also questioned the judicial inquiry announced by the Bihar government, noting that both the investigating agency and the accused belonged to the same police system — a concern echoed by political parties and social organisations demanding an impartial probe.

Police Response and Disciplinary Action

Bihar ADG (Law and Order) Sudhanshu Kumar stated that the police headquarters had entrusted the DIG of the Shahabad Range with investigating the case. Two FIRs — Case Nos. 169/26 and 170/26 — have been registered, and scientific investigation methods including FSL analysis will be employed.

A judicial inquiry headed by a retired High Court judge has been constituted, and the ADG affirmed that proceedings would be conducted transparently. He also stated that an encounter cannot be considered an achievement and that police may use force only in self-defence.

Disciplinary action has already been taken following preliminary findings that indicated negligence during the initial stages of the incident. Those suspended include the Station House Officer (SHO), two sub-inspectors, one assistant sub-inspector, and one constable. Departmental proceedings have been initiated against all concerned officials.

Background: The Encounter and Competing Accounts

Police had visited Bilauti village on 15 June after a video allegedly showing Bharat Tiwari carrying a pistol circulated on social media. The encounter took place on 17 June during a police operation in the village.

Police maintain that Tiwari opened fire on officers, while family members and local residents allege he had surrendered before being shot. The conflicting accounts lie at the heart of the controversy and have fuelled demands for an independent investigation.

Growing Political and Social Pressure

The incident has since drawn protests, political reactions, and calls for judicial intervention, making it one of the most closely watched law-and-order cases in Bihar in recent weeks. Khesari Lal Yadav's high-profile visit is likely to amplify public attention on the case and intensify pressure on authorities to ensure accountability.

With a retired judge-led inquiry now constituted and multiple FIRs registered, the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the investigation satisfies demands for transparency from the victim's family, civil society, and opposition parties.