PATNA/BHOJPUR, June 19 -- The anger over the killing of a local youth in the encounter with police on Thursday spilled over the streets of Ara as the family of the deceased and the villagers blocked the national highway by putting the body on the road and alleged that the youth was "mentally disturbed" and that the police killed him despite him surrendering his weapon. The agitators pitched near Bilauti village under Shahpur police station. Meanwhile, as some videos surfaced on social media showing that the youth had surrendered after persuasion of police and that the police flip-flopped in its version over "first promising to send him to a mental hospital for treatment" and then later declaring that he had opened fire and they had to fire in self-defence resulting in his death, three police personnel, including SHO of Shahpur police station, were suspended. The police encounter took place on Wednesday in Bilauti village of Ara when a police team had reached there following intelligence inputs that a local resident was allegedly in possession of illegal firearms and had been displaying them publicly. His dialogue and alleged confrontation with police is said to have lasted for about two days, with some of its footage being leaked on social media and that made the whole episode a much talked about affair in the state. In some of videos, he is heard talking about "changing system" and that the "police was out to kill a patriot", etc. He held a pistol with him which, according to police, he directed at cops who acted in self-defence and the youth was killed. However, hours ago, police had said that the youth appeared mentally unsound and they planned to get him treated in a hospital. Even chief minister Samrat Choudhary had declared him a "mentally challenged" while attending an event on Wednesday. His parents and villagers allege that when the police was sure that he was "mentally ill" and had even surrendered his weapon, why was he killed? "Our son was not a criminal. He was going through a mentally disturbed phase. He was not posing danger to the police and had surrendered his weapon (pistol). If a bullet was to be fired, it should have hit below the knee but he was shot above the thigh," his parents said while sitting with his body. Dr MH Ansari, who treated Tiwari in Sahpur referral hospital, told reporters that four bullets had passed below his waist. "His condition was very delicate, and he was not getting even pulse and BP. The vein tube was damaged and I referred him to the PMCH in critical condition," he added. According to parents, the youth was the youngest of four siblings. He used to raise his voice on issues related to the village and society. The parents said they didn't know how he got the pistol. His father, who retired as a police driver, told media persons that his son was preparing to open an electric bike showroom in Bilauti village. A license was also applied for, he said. Demanding a fair investigation into the matter, he said: "The police officers told his son to surrender and throw away the weapon. My son urged them not to cheat him, as he threw the weapon. There was a conversation between him and the police. He worked for society." Angry villagers kept the highway blocked for about eight hours, from 7 am to 4pm on Thursday. Sadar SDPO-1 Raj Kumar Sah, who was present at the protest site, told HT that protesters were demanding action against the accused police officials and visit of Bhojpur SP on the spot. "We have received a complaint from the deceased's mother against Jagdishpur SDPO, SHO of Shahpur and other police officers, and the matter is being investigated. Appropriate action will be taken based on the investigation," he added. Shahabad Range DIG Dr Satyaprakash ordered immediate suspension of Shahpur SHO Rajesh Kumar Malakar after an inquiry reportedly found serious lapses in duty. The action was taken on the recommendation of Bhojpur Superintendent of Police Raj. In addition to the SHO, a sub-inspector and a constable, who were part of the police team present during the operation, have also been suspended. BJP MLA of Shahpur assembly constituency Rakesh Ojha also reached the road blockade site and said that allegations made by the family members would be investigated properly and he would meet the CM and inform him of all the things....