New Delhi: Self-styled influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj has been detained by Delhi Police in Uttar Pradesh in connection with the alleged assault on Sanjay Kumar, the father of student activist Nishu Azad, during a protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. The development came amid mounting pressure on police to take stronger action in the case.
The case has gained renewed attention after a video of Bhardwaj discussing the incident circulated widely on social media. Protesters have accused him of seriously assaulting Kumar during the demonstration and have demanded that an attempt-to-murder charge be invoked.
Swatantra Bhardwaj Detained in Bulandshahr
According to Delhi Police, Bhardwaj was traced to Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, on Friday, September 4. Reports said police teams were attempting to apprehend him after assuring representatives of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) that action would be taken within 72 hours.
There were conflicting reports during the day about whether Bhardwaj had been formally arrested or was still being detained and brought into the Delhi Police process. Earlier reports said he managed to flee from the area before police could arrest him, while subsequent reports confirmed that he was detained in Bulandshahr.
What Happened at Jantar Mantar?
The case relates to an alleged assault during a CJP protest at Jantar Mantar. Sanjay Kumar, the father of protester Nishu Azad, reportedly sustained a head injury during the confrontation.
The controversy intensified after a podcast clip featuring Bhardwaj went viral. In the conversation, he appeared to acknowledge striking Kumar with an iron bracelet, while maintaining that he acted in self-defence and claimed that he faced the threat of being attacked by a mob.
Bhardwaj’s account has become a major part of the public debate surrounding the case, while police are examining the incident and available medical evidence.
Attempt-to-Murder Charge Sought
CJP representatives, along with political leaders who met Delhi Police officials, demanded that the case include charges under the attempt-to-murder provision as well as provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and criminal intimidation.
Police officials reportedly indicated that an attempt-to-murder charge could be considered depending on the findings of a further medical examination of Sanjay Kumar.
Delhi Police had earlier maintained that Kumar suffered a relatively minor head injury during the scuffle. Police said the injury was caused by a metal bracelet rather than a conventional weapon.
Police Deny Political Interference
The incident has also triggered allegations of political influence in the handling of the case.
Delhi Police has rejected claims of political interference and said the case was registered on the basis of the victim’s complaint. Police officials stated that Bhardwaj and another accused, identified as Suraj Kumar, had been detained and questioned during the investigation and that the matter would proceed according to law.
Bhardwaj has separately made claims about having political connections, allegations that have added another layer to the controversy. Political leaders and CJP representatives have demanded clarification over whether anyone attempted to shield him from legal action.
Why Has the Case Become a Major Controversy?
The Jantar Mantar assault case has drawn significant attention because of the circulation of Bhardwaj’s own remarks about the incident, the competing claims over the severity of Kumar’s injuries and allegations of political protection.
CJP supporters also alleged that Nishu Azad subsequently faced threats and online abuse. They have demanded a separate investigation into those allegations as well.
What Happens Next?
With Bhardwaj now detained in Uttar Pradesh, Delhi Police is expected to continue its investigation and determine the appropriate charges based on the evidence and medical reports.
The police have also indicated that further medical examination of Sanjay Kumar could play a role in determining whether an attempt-to-murder provision is added to the case.
Key Points
- Accused: Swatantra Bhardwaj
- Case: Alleged assault on Sanjay Kumar
- Location of incident: Jantar Mantar, New Delhi
- Latest development: Bhardwaj detained in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh
- Victim: Sanjay Kumar, father of student activist Nishu Azad
- Police position: Investigation is proceeding according to law
- Major demand: Addition of an attempt-to-murder charge
- Bhardwaj’s defence: Claims he acted in self-defence
