Senior Bihar IPS officer Kundan Krishnan has served a legal defamation notice on Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) Member of Parliament Sudhakar Singh of Buxar, demanding an unconditional public apology within 15 days over remarks relating to the death of Bharat Bhushan Tiwari in Bhojpur district and an alleged incident involving a teenage girl in Jamui. The notice warns that non-compliance will trigger a civil defamation suit seeking ₹5 crore in damages, in addition to criminal defamation proceedings.

What the Notice Alleges

The legal notice contends that Singh's public statements were baseless and caused material damage to Krishnan's professional reputation and public image. It sets a firm deadline of 15 days for a public retraction and apology, failing which the matter will proceed to court on both civil and criminal tracks.

MP's Response: No Apology, No Withdrawal

Sudhakar Singh confirmed receiving the notice through a social media post and categorically stated he would neither apologise nor retract his remarks. He maintained that his statements addressed matters of public interest — specifically, accountability of the police and administration — and that elected representatives carry an obligation to raise such concerns on behalf of citizens. Singh said the threat of legal action would not deter him from continuing to seek answers.

Key Allegations Surrounding Tiwari's Death

The RJD MP questioned the circumstances under which Bharat Bhushan Tiwari died in Bilauti village, Bhojpur district, arguing the incident should not be treated as a routine police operation without a rigorous examination of how it was authorised and executed. He demanded an impartial probe into the chain of command, the decision-making process, and communications among the officers involved — including Krishnan, who Singh alleged was serving as Director General of the Bihar Special Task Force (STF) at the time.

Notably, Singh cited three developments as evidence that the matter warrants serious scrutiny: the reported suspension of police personnel, the registration of an FIR following a complaint by Tiwari's mother, and the state government's decision to order a judicial inquiry. It must be noted that these represent Singh's allegations and demands for investigation; they do not by themselves establish responsibility for Tiwari's death.

Jamui Incident and Broader Accountability Argument

Singh also defended his comments on a reported incident involving a teenage girl in Jamui, framing them as rooted in public interest around women's safety and police accountability. He argued that accountability must extend to every level of the police hierarchy, and that investigations into police controversies should not disproportionately burden lower-ranking personnel while shielding senior officers from scrutiny.

What Happens Next

With Singh publicly refusing to comply, Krishnan is expected to initiate both civil and criminal defamation proceedings once the 15-day window lapses. The standoff puts the spotlight on the boundaries of legislative free speech versus personal reputation rights — a legal question that courts in India have addressed with mixed outcomes. The judicial inquiry into Tiwari's death, already ordered by the government, is likely to draw fresh attention as this dispute escalates.