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Activist’s Jantar Mantar Attack Claims Spur Questions Over Police
A protest took place at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on July 20.
A man named Swatantra Bhardwaj later said in a podcast that he badly injured a protester’s father, Sanjay.
He claimed Sanjay needed 60 stitches and that he did not go to jail because important politicians supported him.
Protest organizers said the police did not use serious charges that could have led to his immediate arrest.
They also questioned whether other people involved in the attack had been identified.
Police said some officers in plain clothes were placed inside the crowd to respond quickly to danger.
Protesters and critics alleged that excessive force was used during the march.
The Supreme Court later cancelled FIRs connected to the protests after the governments said the cases would not be pursued.
Hindutva activist Swatantra Bhardwaj claimed in a podcast that he fractured Sanjay’s skull during a July 20 protest.
Bhardwaj said Sanjay needed 60 stitches and claimed political connections helped him avoid jail.
Cockroach Janta Party leaders alleged that Delhi Police refused to add attempted-murder or grievous-injury charges.
Delhi Police told the Supreme Court that plainclothes officers carrying lathis were strategically deployed as spotters.
The Supreme Court later quashed FIRs linked to the protests after government assurances that cases would not continue.
- Who
- Hindutva activist Swatantra Bhardwaj, injured protester Sanjay, the Cockroach Janta Party, Delhi Police and government authorities.
- What
- Bhardwaj claimed he seriously injured Sanjay during a protest; organizers alleged police and political interference in the case.
- Where
- Jantar Mantar and a nearby police station in Delhi.
- When
- The confrontation occurred on July 20; related claims were highlighted on September 3, while the Supreme Court order came on September 1.
- Why
- Protesters were marching toward Parliament following a call by the Cockroach Janta Party and activist Sonam Wangchuk.
Protesters and Critics
Police and Government Position
Bhardwaj’s alleged attack
Protesters and Critics
Cockroach Janta Party leaders said Bhardwaj cracked open Sanjay’s skull and that the injury warranted serious criminal charges and immediate arrest.
Police and Government Position
Bhardwaj himself described the attack in a podcast, but the articles do not provide a police or court finding confirming all details of his account.
Political interference
Protesters and Critics
Protest organizers and Congress leader Supriya Shrinate said Bhardwaj’s comments raised questions about whether Kapil Mishra pressured police to release him or avoid strict charges.
Police and Government Position
Bhardwaj claimed that Mishra and other political figures supported him; the articles do not report a response from Mishra confirming or denying the allegation.
Plainclothes personnel
Protesters and Critics
Protest organizers alleged that plainclothes individuals using police-style lathis were political or right-wing actors embedded among police and accused authorities of disproportionate force.
Police and Government Position
Delhi Police said the plainclothes personnel were official spotters from specialized and local units, and that such deployments are lawful and routinely used during large public gatherings.
Key facts
- Injured person
- Sanjay, identified as the father of protester Nishu.
- Injury claimed
- Bhardwaj said Sanjay required 60 stitches and was nearly dying in an ambulance.
- Charges disputed
- Organizers said police refused to add IPC Section 307 for attempted murder and Section 326 for grievous injury.
- Political claim
- Bhardwaj claimed Delhi minister Kapil Mishra was like an elder brother and had helped secure his release.
- Police position
- Delhi Police told the Supreme Court that plainclothes officers carrying lathis were strategically deployed spotters.
- Court action
- On September 1, the Supreme Court quashed FIRs connected to the July 20 protests.
- Government assurance
- The Union and state governments said protest-related cases would not be pursued and no fresh FIRs would be filed over the same incidents.
Quotes
Swatantra Bhardwaj
Self-professed Hindutva activist discussing the alleged attack and its legal consequences
“Sanjay ji's skull was cracked open. The wound dimensions were of such great size that it obviously warranted an attempt to murder charge in the FIR (Section 307 of IPC).”
telegraphindia.com
“One is I have Hanumanji’s blessings.Also, Kapil Mishra is [like] my elder brother. They say a call came from Kapil Mishra and I was released.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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