A viral video featuring a police inspector defending the Bharat Tiwari encounter through poetry has reignited
June 25, 2026: A fresh controversy has emerged after a video from Bihar’s Ara district went viral on social media, showing Uttar Pradesh police inspector and poet Dharmraj Upadhyay commenting on the Bharat Tiwari encounter through a poem. In the video, the officer appears to justify the police action, describing it as part of official duty. The clip quickly gained attention online and sparked widespread debate over encounter policing and the role of law enforcement agencies.
The video triggered strong political reactions, with opposition leaders questioning the legality of encounters and stressing that criminal cases should be handled through established judicial procedures. Critics argued that no authority has the power to act as both judge and executioner, emphasizing the importance of constitutional safeguards and the rule of law. Several voices also demanded greater transparency and accountability in encounter-related cases.
Supporters of the officer’s remarks, however, argued that police personnel often face dangerous situations and must act in self-defense when confronted by armed suspects. The controversy has reignited broader discussions on alleged fake encounters, policing standards, human rights concerns, and judicial oversight. While authorities have not announced any disciplinary action against the officer, the issue continues to dominate social media discussions and public debate.