Ara: An STF jawan accused in connection with the alleged encounter death of Bharat Bhushan Tiwari was arrested in a joint operation by Bhojpur police and Patna STF late Thursday night.Bhojpur superintendent of police (SP) Raj confirmed the arrest of Akshay Kumar on Friday. Police said the accused jawan had allegedly been evading arrest and was not cooperating with the investigation. He was arrested with the help of technical inputs and surveillance, police said.Bharat Bhushan Tiwari, a resident of Jawaniya village, was allegedly killed in a police encounter on June 17 at Bilauti village under Shahpur police station area of Bhojpur district. Tiwari had been raising issues related to the hardships faced by flood victims in the area.The arrest was welcomed by Tiwari’s family, who have been demanding a fair investigation into the encounter.Tiwari’s mother, Asha Devi, said she was happy with the arrest and hoped that all those found involved in the case would face action. “I am hopeful that chief minister Samrat Choudhary will ensure a fair probe and quick action against all those responsible,” she said.His father, Kashinath Tiwari, described the arrest as a positive development and said he hoped the accused would reveal details related to the incident during the investigation.On July 24, CM Samrat Choudhary had met Tiwari’s family in Patna and assured them of an impartial probe and strict action against those found guilty.Following the meeting, police took action against two officials associated with the case. The then Jagdishpur SDM was removed from the post and attached to the general administration department, while the accused SDPO was transferred to police headquarters, where he is awaiting a new assignment.Police said Akshay Kumar’s service pistol was seized after his suspension following the encounter. Further investigation into the case is underway.
