Union Minister and Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) chief Jitan Ram Manjhi on 3 July called on politicians and the public to refrain from drawing conclusions about the Bharat Tiwari encounter in Bihar's Bhojpur district until the ongoing judicial inquiry delivers its findings. Speaking to reporters in Patna, Manjhi defended the police action, asserting that officers operated within the bounds of law and established procedure.

Manjhi's Defence of Police Action

The Union Minister argued that the officers involved faced a genuinely difficult situation and could themselves have been at risk had they not responded. He maintained that the police act to enforce law and order, not with the intent to cause death.

Notably, Manjhi pointed to the fact that shots were fired below the waist rather than at vital parts of the body — citing this as evidence, in his view, that the intent was not to kill. He stressed that characterising the incident as a deliberate killing before the judicial inquiry concludes would be premature and inappropriate.

SC/ST Act Registration and Revolver Licence Questioned

Manjhi raised pointed questions about the narrative surrounding the deceased, asking why a case had been registered against Bharat Tiwari under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act if he was entirely innocent. He also called for an examination of the legality and licence of the revolver reportedly linked to the case as part of the investigation.

On Chirag Paswan's Visit and the Mahapanchayat

Asked about Union Minister Chirag Paswan's visit to Bharat Tiwari's family and his proposed participation in a Mahapanchayat, Manjhi said every political leader operates according to their own style and approach. 'Must we do exactly what Chirag does? We have our own clear standpoint, and we act accordingly,' he said.

Manjhi explained that he chose to stay away from the Mahapanchayat to avoid any escalation that could disturb public order. 'I stayed away from the Mahapanchayat to uphold social harmony and peace. The current leadership in Bihar is working towards development and good governance, and any form of social tension would not be in the state's interest,' he said.

Police Promotions and Shortage of Personnel

Responding to questions about the promotion of police officers associated with the encounter, Manjhi drew a clear distinction between the registration of an FIR and a finding of guilt after due legal process. 'Action will be taken if the officials are found guilty; however, keeping them inactive for a prolonged period without their guilt being proven is not appropriate either. Bihar is already grappling with a shortage of police personnel,' he said.

What Happens Next

The judicial inquiry into the Bharat Tiwari encounter remains underway, and its findings are expected to shape the political and legal response in Bihar. Opposition parties continue to press their questions over the police action, while the ruling alliance has largely backed the officers involved. The inquiry's conclusions are likely to determine whether further accountability measures follow.