Bharat Tiwari encounter: 3 witnesses depose before Bihar inquiry commission
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
The judicial inquiry into the alleged police encounter of Bharat Tiwari in Bihar's Bhojpur district advanced on Monday, 13 July, as three key witnesses recorded their statements before the commission constituted by the Bihar state government. The panel, headed by retired Justice Vinod Kumar Sinha, continues to build its evidentiary record in a case that has drawn sustained public scrutiny.
Who Appeared Before the Commission
The three witnesses who deposed on Monday were Suman Devi, Tiwari's sister-in-law, and two individuals who claim to have been present at the scene — Satyanarayan Chaudhary and Mantu Kamkar. Each provided their account of the events surrounding the alleged encounter to the commission.
What the Witnesses Said
Speaking to reporters after her deposition, Suman Devi said she had shared all relevant facts with the commission. She stated that the panel questioned her in detail about the sequence of events, the police personnel involved, and other aspects of the case. Her deposition reportedly lasted nearly one and a half hours. She added that the commission's chairman assured her that justice would be delivered once the inquiry concludes, and reiterated her demand for strict action against those found guilty.
Satyanarayan Chaudhary told reporters that he narrated exactly what he witnessed during the incident. He said the commission posed detailed questions about the sequence of events, which he answered based on his firsthand account. Chaudhary also expressed confidence that the judicial process would deliver justice.
State of the Inquiry
The commission is continuing to record statements from family members, eyewitnesses, and other individuals connected to the alleged encounter. The inquiry is expected to conclude after all testimony has been collected, following which the panel will submit its report to the Bihar government.
Notably, the Bharat Tiwari encounter case has remained under close public and media watch since it came to light. The commission's findings are expected to be pivotal in establishing the circumstances of the incident and determining what action, if any, follows.
What Happens Next
Once all depositions are complete, retired Justice Vinod Kumar Sinha will compile the commission's report for submission to the state government. The report's conclusions are likely to shape whether further legal or administrative action is initiated against the police personnel involved in the alleged encounter.