New Delhi: Right wing influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj, 21, has been detained by Delhi Police in connection with an alleged assault on Sanjay Azad, who was attending a protest at Jantar Mantar with his 14 year old daughter.
The case came back into the spotlight after a video of Bhardwaj discussing the incident on a podcast went viral on social media. In the video, he appeared to acknowledge attacking Azad and spoke about the incident in graphic terms. He later maintained that he had acted in self defence.
The alleged assault took place on June 23 during a protest organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar. Azad, 38, has alleged that he was attacked during a confrontation and suffered a head injury that required seven stitches.
Police had initially registered a case over the altercation, but the matter escalated after fresh allegations and protests demanding stronger action. According to Delhi Police, additional provisions under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act were subsequently added to the case.
A separate POCSO case has also been registered following allegations involving Azad’s minor daughter. The allegations include rape threats. Police are investigating the matter, and the allegations have not been established in court.
Bhardwaj’s account of the incident is different. He has claimed that he was surrounded and feared for his safety, saying that his actions were meant to protect himself. The conflicting accounts are now part of the police investigation.
The controversy has also drawn political attention. Bhardwaj had spoken about his alleged links with political figures, including Chirag Paswan and Kapil Mishra. Paswan has distanced himself from Bhardwaj and said that his name and photographs were being misused. He has also said that he filed a complaint over the matter.
Delhi Police have rejected claims of political interference and said the case is being investigated according to law. Police have also indicated that another medical examination of Azad may be conducted to determine whether the injuries justify more serious charges.
For now, Bhardwaj’s detention is the latest development in a case that has moved from a protest site clash to a wider political and social media controversy. The allegations against all those involved remain subject to investigation and due legal process.
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