Patna: Three police personnel have been suspended in Bihar’s Bhojpur district after a video showing an alleged encounter situation went viral, sparking discussions over police conduct and operational preparedness.
The incident took place during a police operation in Bilaunti village under the Shahpur police station limits. The viral video reportedly showed a young man allegedly pointing a pistol at police personnel during a raid.
Following the circulation of the video, senior police authorities initiated disciplinary action against the officers involved.
Shahabad Range DIG Dr Satyaprakash ordered the immediate suspension of Shahpur Station House Officer (SHO) Rajesh Kumar Malakar after an inquiry reportedly found serious lapses in duty. The action was taken based on the recommendation of Bhojpur Superintendent of Police Raj.
Apart from the SHO, a Sub-Inspector and a constable who were part of the police team during the operation have also been suspended.
According to officials, the police team had reached Bilaunti village after receiving information that an individual, Bharat Bhushan Tiwari, was allegedly carrying and displaying illegal firearms.
However, the situation reportedly escalated during the operation. A video that later went viral on social media allegedly showed Tiwari openly brandishing a pistol and threatening police personnel.
The footage attracted widespread attention and raised questions about the response of the police team and the manner in which the situation was handled.
After reviewing the video and the circumstances surrounding the incident, senior police officials ordered an inquiry. The departmental investigation reportedly concluded that the officers present at the scene failed to display the expected level of alertness, preparedness, and timely action during a high-risk situation.
Based on the findings, disciplinary proceedings were initiated against the personnel concerned.
The controversy comes amid a subsequent police encounter involving Bharat Bhushan Tiwari. According to police, the situation later turned into an exchange of fire, during which Tiwari sustained a gunshot injury.
He was taken to hospital but later died while undergoing treatment at the Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH).
While the encounter remains an important part of the case, the viral video has become the focus of public and departmental discussions, with questions being raised over police accountability, operational procedures, and preparedness.
With IANS inputs