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Swatantra Bhardwaj Detained Over Alleged Assault at Jantar Mantar
Police detained Swatantra Bhardwaj in Uttar Pradesh after an alleged fight at a protest in Delhi.
The person he allegedly injured was Sanjay Kumar, whose child Nishu Azad is a student activist.
A video spread online in which Bhardwaj appeared to boast about hitting Kumar.
This led the Cockroach Janta Party to protest outside a police station.
The protesters asked police to arrest Bhardwaj and consider more serious charges.
Police reportedly promised action within 72 hours.
Bhardwaj says he was surrounded by a group and acted to protect himself.
The reports give different dates for the protest, July 20 and July 23.
Delhi Police detained Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, officials said.
Bhardwaj is accused of assaulting Sanjay Kumar, father of student activist Nishu Azad, during a Jantar Mantar protest.
Reports differ on whether the confrontation occurred on July 20 or July 23.
A viral video allegedly showed Bhardwaj claiming he had “cracked” Kumar’s skull and avoided jail through political connections.
Bhardwaj denies wrongdoing, says he acted in self-defence, and protesters are seeking stronger charges.
- Who
- Delhi Police detained Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj over the alleged assault of Sanjay Kumar, father of student activist Nishu Azad.
- What
- Bhardwaj was detained after a viral video and protests concerning the alleged assault.
- Where
- The alleged confrontation occurred at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi; Bhardwaj was detained in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh.
- When
- He was detained on a Friday; reports place the underlying protest on either July 20 or July 23.
- Why
- Police action followed public controversy over the video and demands from Cockroach Janta Party protesters for his arrest and stronger charges.
Protesters’ Allegations
Bhardwaj’s Defense
What happened during the confrontation
Protesters’ Allegations
Cockroach Janta Party leaders allege that Bhardwaj assaulted Sanjay Kumar and say the incident may amount to attempted murder.
Bhardwaj’s Defense
Bhardwaj says he was surrounded by 10 to 15 people and struck Kumar while acting in self-defence.
Interpretation of the viral video
Protesters’ Allegations
Protesters point to the video as evidence that Bhardwaj boasted about cracking Kumar’s skull and demand stringent action.
Bhardwaj’s Defense
Bhardwaj denies wrongdoing and says the incident was not an attack but an act of self-defence.
Extent of Kumar’s injuries
Protesters’ Allegations
Protesters sought the addition of more serious charges, including attempted murder and provisions under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Act.
Bhardwaj’s Defense
Bhardwaj cited a Delhi Police medical report and claimed Kumar did not suffer major injuries; another report described the injuries as simple.
Key facts
- Detainee
- Swatantra Bhardwaj
- Alleged victim
- Sanjay Kumar
- Victim’s relation
- Father of student activist Nishu Azad
- Protest location
- Jantar Mantar, New Delhi
- Detention location
- Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh
- Police assurance
- Action within 72 hours, according to reports
- Requested charges
- Attempt to murder and provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act
Quotes
Swatantra Bharadwaj
Hindutva influencer detained over the alleged assault
“Goons like Swatantra Bharadwaj came to Jantar Mantar. Did Delhi Police not identify them? He committed attempt to murder. Delhi Police is saving him, no action was taken.”
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“I have proof in the form of videos. I was gheraoed by 10-15 people. When I acted in self-defence, he was hit on the head.”
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Sources
Delhi Police Detain Swatantra Bharadwaj In Bulandshahr Over Alleged Assault On CJP Protester Nishu Azad's Father
Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj detained over alleged attack on CJP protester’s father
Hindutva influencer who allegedly assaulted CJP protester’s father detained
Delhi Police Detains Hindutva Influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj
Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj held hours after viral video
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