{"id":1855,"date":"2026-06-22T07:41:30","date_gmt":"2026-06-22T07:41:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/helvilux.lu\/?p=1855"},"modified":"2026-06-22T07:41:30","modified_gmt":"2026-06-22T07:41:30","slug":"reform-at-the-un-but-encounters-at-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/helvilux.lu\/index.php\/2026\/06\/22\/reform-at-the-un-but-encounters-at-home\/","title":{"rendered":"Reform at the UN, but \u2018encounters\u2019 at home"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

India’s Aspirations for a Reformed UN Security Council Clash with Persistent Allegations of Police Excesses and Human Rights Concerns<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Bihar, INDIA (Helvilux) – In mid-June 2026, as India continued its long-standing campaign for permanent membership in a reformed United Nations Security Council arguing that the current structure fails to reflect contemporary global realities, events in Bihar highlighted ongoing domestic challenges related to policing, accountability and Indian rule of law. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

On June 15, Slovenia and other nations reportedly expressed support for India’s bid. Just days later, on June 17, 28-year-old Indian Citizen Bharat Bhushan Tiwari died in what police described as an encounter in Bilaoti village, Shahpur police station area, Bhojpur district, Bihar (State of India).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Bhojpur Incident: Conflicting Accounts and Public Outrage<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Bharat Bhushan Tiwari, a B.Sc.-educated local social activist with no prior criminal record, was involved in advocating for flood-affected villagers in his area. According to police, the operation followed reports of him firing shots; but Indian police authorities claimed self-defense after he allegedly opened fire during an attempt to arrest him. However, Tiwari’s family, supporters, and viral Facebook Live videos tell a starkly different story: he reportedly tossed away a pistol, appeared to surrender, and was shot multiple times (including after compliance, per some accounts). His father, a retired police officer, has alleged staging.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The incident quickly sparked massive outrage, protests blocking highways, and demands for justice. Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary ordered a judicial inquiry by a retired High Court judge for an “independent and impartial” probe. Several police officers were suspended. The case has fueled nationwide debate on “fake encounters,” with critics pointing to the video evidence as undermining police claims.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is not an isolated event. “Encounter killings” deaths in alleged police shootouts have been a longstanding and controversial feature of Indian law enforcement, particularly in states with histories of organized crime or strongman politics like Bihar. Human rights groups and media have frequently alleged that many such incidents are staged extrajudicial executions, enabled by a slow judiciary, low conviction rates, and perceived impunity for officers (who sometimes receive promotions). The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has historically tracked complaints and confirmed false encounters in various periods.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Broader Pattern of Encounters Since 2014<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

National data on police encounters is incomplete and contested, as official figures often rely on police self-reporting, while NHRC and independent probes reveal discrepancies. High-profile spikes occurred in states like Uttar Pradesh under aggressive anti-crime drives post-2017, with thousands of “encounters” reported, hundreds of deaths, and many more injuries (“half-encounters”). Nationally, NHRC data from earlier periods (e.g., 2016\/17\u20132021\/22) indicated hundreds of cases.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Critics argue that under the Modi government since 2014, rhetoric prioritizing “strong” law-and-order approaches has sometimes normalized or incentivized such actions in the face of systemic issues like judicial delays and low conviction rates (historically around 40-50% or lower for many serious crimes). Supporters counter that encounters reflect difficult policing in high-crime areas against armed criminals, with officers often facing risks (dozens killed or injured in operations). However, repeated allegations of staging especially against those without strong criminal histories or in politically sensitive contexts undermine public trust. The Bihar case, involving a BJP supporter turned critic engaging in online activism and social work, has amplified scrutiny.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Badlapur Sweeper Encounter: A Politically Charged Case and Judicial Scrutiny<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In a high-profile incident that drew national attention and highlighted allegations of politically motivated policing, 23-year-old Akshay Shinde, a school sweeper (janitor) in Badlapur, Thane district of State Maharashtra, was killed in a police encounter on September 23, 2024. Shinde had been arrested earlier in August 2024 on serious charges of sexually assaulting two four-year-old girls at a prominent co-educational school, sparking widespread public outrage, protests, and political blame games. Interesting thing is the School management was run by BJP politicians who were not arrested and were absconded for months till the encounter of main accused Akshay Shinde, therefore local police actions were under question.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to police accounts, while Shinde was being transported from Taloja jail to Badlapur for further investigation, he allegedly snatched a pistol from a constable (despite being handcuffed), opened fire injuring an officer, and was shot dead in \u201cself-defense\u201d by Senior Police Inspector Sanjay Shinde (no relation). The encounter occurred near the Mumbra Bypass.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conflicting Claims and Allegations of Staging<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Shinde\u2019s family, including his parents, strongly contested the police version, alleging it was a staged \u201cfake encounter\u201d orchestrated due to political pressure amid massive public anger over the heinous crime against minors. Critics pointed to inconsistencies: how a slight-built accused in custody could overpower officers, unlock a pistol, and fire while handcuffed. The case quickly became politicized, with opposition parties questioning the narrative and ruling alliance elements celebrating the killing, including public distribution of sweets and posters.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mumbai (Bombay) High Court Criticisms and Interventions<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The Bombay High Court took strong cognizance of the matter. It expressed shock at the police claims, with judges questioning the plausibility of the sequence of events. Observations included skepticism that a \u201cweak man\u201d could quickly unlock and use a pistol under such conditions, and that the encounter appeared avoidable. The court pulled up the police for laxities and the manner of shooting (including a headshot).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A magisterial inquiry submitted in early 2025 reportedly held five policemen responsible for the custodial death, citing forensic evidence and supporting elements of the family\u2019s claims of a false encounter. The High Court repeatedly criticized the Maharashtra government and police for delays in registering an FIR against the involved officers, failing to constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) promptly as directed, and non-compliance with court orders. It threatened contempt proceedings and, on April 7, 2025, formally set up an SIT to probe the killing.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Later developments saw the Supreme Court intervening to modify aspects of the SIT constitution. As of mid-2025 reports, the SIT was directed to register an FIR, and further proceedings continued amid ongoing scrutiny of police accountability.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This case exemplifies broader concerns over \u201cencounter culture,\u201d where public demand for swift justice in horrific crimes can intersect with allegations of extrajudicial actions, political opportunism and weakened oversight. It adds to the pattern of judicial pushback against unverified police narratives while underscoring challenges in balancing security needs with due process.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Press Freedom and Human Rights Rankings<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

India’s press freedom has faced significant criticism. In the 2026 Reporters Without Borders (RSF) World Press Freedom Index, India ranked 157th out of 180 countries (score ~31.96, “Very Serious” situation), down from 151st in 2025. RSF has highlighted issues including legal pressures, journalist safety concerns, and a challenging environment under the current political climate since 2014.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Broader human rights reports (from domestic commissions, international observers, and NGOs) document concerns over custodial deaths, police accountability, and freedom of expression. While India maintains it is the world’s largest democracy addressing complex security and developmental challenges, critics point to a pattern where state responses sometimes prioritize outcomes over due process. Social media and digital platforms have both exposed incidents like the Bhojpur case and become battlegrounds for narrative control.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Indian Journalist in Switzerland Launches Online Campaign Against India’s UNSC Bid<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In a notable development amplifying international scrutiny of India’s domestic governance, Mahesh Kamath, an Indian citizen and Editor-in-Chief of Helvilux media, has initiated an online campaign from Switzerland urging the United Nations to reject India’s bid for permanent membership in a reformed Security Council. Kamath argues that India’s overall domestic situation remains critical, with the Indian Constitution frequently disregarded in several BJP-ruled states. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kamath, who arrived in Switzerland in the early 2020s and sought international protection, claims he and his father faced repeated mistreatment in Badlapur, Thane district, by local BJP politicians and their supporters following the BJP’s rise to power nationally in 2014. According to his accounts, they endured kidnapping attempts, physical mistreatment, and the torching of his press vehicle. He alleges that the accused individuals had connections to prominent Maharashtra leaders including Eknath Shinde, Kisan Kathore, and Devendra Fadnavis. Local police stations in Badlapur West and East allegedly failed to provide protection. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Indian authorities later labeled Kamath an “extortionist journalist.” Previously a Maharashtra Government-accredited journalist, his accreditation was reportedly revoked. Facing these pressures, he left India to safeguard his life. From Switzerland, Kamath continues to operate an Instagram channel named Maharashtra Vikas, where he regularly posts content critical of what he describes as corrupt police practices and politicians. He claims this has placed him on a hit list of Indian police agencies. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kamath has publicly alleged that if he returns to India, he may face serious harm, including what he describes as the possibility of a staged \u201cfake encounter\u201d by certain elements within the Maharashtra Police, including stations such as Badlapur or Pune, referencing similar incidents reported in the past. He also claims that his family, some years ago, faced mental harassment by local police authorities. According to his statements, his family was shown an Afghan passport with Kamath\u2019s photo and was allegedly threatened with Kamath being declared of Afghan nationality before being subjected to harm.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kamath was born into a Hindu Goud Saraswat Brahmin family but opposes his own religion and refers to the GSB Brahmin and Hindutva community as highly hypocritical. He further expresses that his views and beliefs are against \u201cHindutva ideology,\u201d and states that this has led to persecution by the current ruling government and RSS groups. He claims that police attempt to show a forged passport copy to my family could result in attempts to portray him when he is back in India as being of Pakistani or Afghan origin and labeling him as a terrorist in order to justify possible action against him by Indian and particularly Maharashtra police.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Such voices from the Indian diaspora, especially those with direct experience in regions like Badlapur already in the spotlight due to high-profile cases like the Akshay Shinde encounter add another layer to the international discourse on India’s human rights record, press freedom, and adherence to constitutional norms. While critics may dismiss these as isolated or motivated claims, they contribute to the broader narrative challenging India’s global leadership aspirations amid unresolved domestic accountability issues.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Indian Citizen Returns from the US to Save Indian Democracy<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In a striking parallel to voices from the Indian diaspora raising concerns abroad, another young Indian citizen has returned from the United States to channel widespread youth frustration into domestic protest. Abhijeet Dipke, while studying in the US, founded the satirical Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Instagram in mid-May 2026. What began as a humorous, tongue-in-cheek response to systemic issues quickly snowballed into a massive online movement, amassing over 22 million followers in a matter of weeks\u2014surpassing the official Instagram accounts of major Indian political parties. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dipke, who returned to India in early June 2026 carrying a copy of the Constitution, has transitioned the digital satire into on-ground activism. The CJP is now leading protests across the country, primarily targeting the Indian education system. Key demands include accountability for repeated examination scandals (such as NEET paper leaks), reforms to address youth unemployment, and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Despite gaining strong local support from students and young people nationwide, with protests drawing crowds at sites like Jantar Mantar in Delhi, the minister has not resigned, and the government has not met the core demands. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recent protests have highlighted allegations of administrative pushback. In videos shared by Dipke and supporters during the ongoing demonstrations (as of mid-June 2026), he claimed that police and authorities imposed hurdles on protesters. These included restrictions preventing easy access to water and food, disruptions to electricity (street lights are switched off in night time) and water supplies (confiscate water bottles of supporters) at the protest site, and denial of permission extensions. Dipke publicly appealed for basic amenities, emphasizing the peaceful nature of the sit-in and drawing parallels to historical protests where even colonial authorities provided essentials. Community support, including free langar meals, has helped sustain the demonstrators amid the reported constraints.  <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

UNSC Bid vs. Domestic Realities<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

India’s push for UNSC reform is grounded in its population size, economic weight, contributions to peacekeeping, and the outdated 1945 structure. However, permanent membership implies not just power but exemplary adherence to the international rules-based order, including human rights norms that the UN champions. High-profile cases of alleged police impunity, whether isolated or systemic, raise legitimate questions about consistency. A country seeking greater global authority must demonstrate robust internal mechanisms for accountability independent probes, prosecutions of errant officers, and reforms to prevent abuse.Bihar’s swift judicial inquiry in the Tiwari case is a positive step toward transparency, but sustained reform is needed: better training, body cameras, stricter NHRC guidelines enforcement, judicial capacity building, and cultural shifts in policing. Without these, “encounter culture” risks eroding the very democratic credentials India projects internationally.India faces real security challenges from crime, insurgency, and terrorism. Yet, the rule of law investigation, trial, and proportionate justice distinguishes a mature democracy. The gap between global ambitions and domestic implementation remains a significant question mark for India’s international standing. Cases like Bharat Bhushan Tiwari’s serve as reminders that reform at home is as critical as advocacy abroad.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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