Bhojpur encounter: NDA partners rally behind state govt

Patna: Amid the continuing political sparring over the alleged Bharat Bhushan Tiwari encounter case, JD(U) national working president Sanjay Kumar Jha on Thursday urged all sides to await the findings of the judicial inquiry ordered by the state govt.The Rajya Sabha member said the govt had acted promptly after the incident and initiated steps to ensure an impartial investigation.“CM Samrat Choudhary took cognizance of the matter immediately after the incident and announced a judicial inquiry,” Sanjay said, adding that all parties should wait for the inquiry report.RJD’s Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, however, alleged that the encounter was staged.“This was a staged encounter orchestrated by the Bihar govt at the behest of the CM.

Several fake encounters took place based on caste in the state and a thorough probe should be conducted into all those cases. The CM is attempting to divert public attention by instigating such incidents. No action is being taken against actual criminals. Fake encounters are carried out based on caste considerations,” Tejashwi said.Union minister Jitan Ram Manjhi defended the police action and described Bharat as a criminal.

“Otherwise, how did he have an expensive pistol, and what would have happened had he shot any policeman dead,” Manjhi said.Union minister Giriraj Singh cautioned against politicising the issue.“Both the state govt and the CM are treating the case with utmost seriousness and sensitivity. Those found guilty will face strict action,” Giriraj said.Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) chief Upendra Kushwaha also appealed for restraint.“An impartial judicial inquiry into the matter is underway and everyone should exercise patience until the investigation report is released. The retired judge probing the case has visited the village. The govt’s intentions are clear. In a democracy, public trust is paramount. The govt is prepared to rectify its shortcomings rather than conceal them,” Upendra said.