Arrest Deadline Set for Aug 12 as Courts Push for Quick Custody

The court’s recent directive in the Bharat Tiwari encounter case has set an unequivocal deadline of 12 August for the arrest of eleven accused officials. The order, issued after a detailed petition, demands that each named individual be produced before the bench within the stipulated period.

Law‑enforcement agencies are now tasked with locating former SDM Sanjeet Kumar, former SDPO Rajesh Kumar Sharma, former SHO Rajesh Malakar, Inspector Ankit Aryan, constables Harish Chandra Kumar, Vikas Kumar, and others, including ASI Ramashankar Yadav. The STF constable Akshay Kumar, already in custody, will continue to face interrogation.

The urgency stems from concerns that prolonged freedom for the accused could compromise evidence and witnesses. Police officials have indicated that they are mobilising teams across districts to meet the court’s timeline, despite logistical challenges.

If the deadline is missed, the court may consider contempt proceedings, further intensifying scrutiny on the police’s handling of the encounter that has drawn widespread media attention.