Archive · 5 Sep 2026
Security Tightened Around Delhi Police Station After Influencer Detention
Police detained Swatantra Bhardwaj after he was accused of hurting the father of a minor activist.
The alleged incident happened during a protest in Delhi on July 20.
Bhardwaj was detained in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, on Friday.
His supporters then gathered near a Delhi police station to protest.
Police put up barricades and brought in paramilitary personnel for extra security.
The police also added more serious legal provisions to the case.
A separate case was filed over alleged online threats against the minor activist.
Bhardwaj said he hurt the man while defending himself.
Police said the injuries were simple and were caused by a steel bracelet.
Security was strengthened outside Parliament Street police station after supporters of detained influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj gathered to protest.
Delhi Police detained Bhardwaj in Bulandshahr on Friday over an alleged assault during a July 20 Jantar Mantar protest.
Barricades were installed and paramilitary personnel deployed as a precaution against possible gatherings.
Police added SC/ST Act and criminal intimidation provisions to the assault FIR and registered a separate POCSO case over alleged online threats.
Bhardwaj claimed he acted in self-defence, while police described the alleged victim’s injuries as simple and caused by a steel bracelet.
- Who
- Delhi Police, detained Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj, his supporters, and the Cockroach Janta Party.
- What
- Security was tightened near Parliament Street police station and Patiala House Court after Bhardwaj’s detention and court production.
- When
- Security was tightened on Saturday, September 5, after Bhardwaj was detained on Friday.
- Where
- Parliament Street police station and Patiala House Court in New Delhi; Bhardwaj was detained in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh.
- Why
- Police anticipated gatherings by Bhardwaj’s supporters following his detention in an alleged assault case and related legal action.
Police and Complainants
Bhardwaj and Supporters
Account of the alleged assault
Police and Complainants
The complaint and police action treated the incident as an alleged assault on Sanjay Kumar during the July protest.
Bhardwaj and Supporters
Bhardwaj later said in a podcast that he acted in self-defence, despite previously claiming in an interview that he had 'cracked the skull' of the minor activist’s father.
Requested legal action
Police and Complainants
The Cockroach Janta Party demanded Bhardwaj’s arrest and sought provisions including attempt to murder, criminal intimidation, and the SC/ST Act.
Bhardwaj and Supporters
Bhardwaj’s supporters gathered to protest after his detention, while the report does not state their specific legal position.
Nature of the injuries
Police and Complainants
Delhi Police said Sanjay Kumar’s injuries were simple and were caused by a steel bracelet.
Bhardwaj and Supporters
Bhardwaj’s self-defence account presents the incident differently, but the report does not provide an independent assessment supporting that account.
- Detained person
- Swatantra Bhardwaj, described as a Hindutva influencer from Bulandshahr.
- Detention location
- Bulandshahr in Uttar Pradesh.
- Alleged assault
- The alleged assault occurred during a July 20 protest at Jantar Mantar.
- Security measures
- Barricades were installed and paramilitary personnel deployed outside Parliament Street police station.
- Additional provisions
- The assault FIR included provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and criminal intimidation.
- Separate case
- A POCSO Act FIR was registered over alleged online threats and harassment of the minor activist.
- Police assessment
- Police said Sanjay Kumar’s injuries were simple and caused by a steel bracelet.