Bharat Bhushan Tiwari, shot during a police encounter on 17 June, was in critical condition when he arrived at the Shahpur Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Bhojpur district, and was subsequently referred to Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) after primary care, the Bhojpur Civil Surgeon has said. The civil surgeon added that his office had no information about what transpired after Tiwari reached the Patna facility.

What the Civil Surgeon Said

Civil Surgeon Shivendra Kumar Sinha stated that Tiwari was first brought to the community health centre in Shahpur, before being transferred to the Shahpur PHC. 'The patient was referred to our hospital from our primary treatment centre, the community health centre in Shahpur, where he had initially received treatment. Since the case was serious, he was sent to us,' Dr Sinha said.

He noted that the Shahpur PHC had been pre-informed of the incoming referral. 'It was around 10 a.m. when the patient was brought to our facility. As soon as we received the information, our entire medical team, including the orthopaedic specialist, surgeon, and anaesthetist, was on standby because we knew a major case was being referred to us. We were fully prepared,' he said.

Condition at the Time of Referral

Dr Sinha described Tiwari's condition as rapidly deteriorating during treatment. 'The team took him to the Operation Theatre and attempted to treat him. In a way, the patient was sinking here itself. The doctors said that his arteries were ruptured, because of which we could not take a chance, and hence after doing primary care, he was timely referred,' he said.

He confirmed that the facility received word that Tiwari had safely reached PMCH, but said: 'After that, we do not have information about what happened there.' Tiwari, a resident of Belauti village in Bhojpur district, died during the police operation. Since his death occurred in Patna, Dr Sinha noted that the post-mortem would have been conducted there.

Police Version vs Family Allegations

According to police, Tiwari allegedly opened fire on the police team, discharging 10 to 12 rounds, which prompted retaliatory firing in self-defence. However, Tiwari's family and several local residents have alleged that he had surrendered before being shot, raising allegations of a fake encounter. These claims have not been independently verified.

Background and What Comes Next

Bhojpur district routinely refers critically injured patients to PMCH in Patna, the civil surgeon confirmed, underscoring the limited tertiary care available locally. The civil surgeon's account establishes the medical chain of custody up to the point of referral but leaves open questions about Tiwari's care and the circumstances of his death at PMCH. With conflicting accounts from police and the family, the case is likely to draw scrutiny from rights groups and opposition leaders in Bihar.