Swatantra Bhardwaj Detained In UP Over Alleged Assault On CJP Protester’s Father

Self-styled Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj was detained in Uttar Pradesh’s Bulandshahr on Friday in connection with an alleged assault on Sanjay Kumar, the father of student activist Nishu Azad, during a protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.

The development came hours after representatives of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) said Delhi Police had assured them that Bhardwaj would be arrested within 72 hours. CJP supporters had marched to the Parliament Street Police Station on Friday demanding action against him.

Why Was Swatantra Bhardwaj Being Sought?

The case relates to a scuffle during a CJP protest at Jantar Mantar. Bhardwaj was accused of assaulting Sanjay Kumar, who was accompanying his daughter Nishu Azad.

The controversy escalated after a video clip from a podcast featuring Bhardwaj circulated widely on social media.

In the video, Bhardwaj appeared to claim that he had “cracked the skull” of Nishu Azad’s father and suggested that political connections had helped him avoid jail.

His comments triggered criticism from opposition leaders and renewed demands for his arrest.

What Happened During The Protest?

According to reports, the physical confrontation took place during a CJP demonstration at Jantar Mantar.

• Sanjay Kumar sustained a head injury during the scuffle.
• He was taken to hospital for medical treatment.
• Bhardwaj later spoke about the incident in a podcast, claiming that he had seriously injured Kumar.
• CJP supporters subsequently demanded that police take action against him.

However, Delhi Police has disputed the claim that Kumar suffered a fractured or “cracked” skull. Police said Kumar suffered a simple head injury caused by a kada worn by one of the alleged participants during the scuffle.

What Did Bhardwaj Say In The Podcast?

In the viral clip, Bhardwaj claimed that he had attacked Nishu Azad’s father and referred to the seriousness of the alleged injuries. He also claimed that political intervention had helped him avoid imprisonment.

The comments prompted a political controversy, with opposition leaders questioning why he had not been arrested earlier.

Bhardwaj later changed his position and said his remarks about political intervention were sarcastic. He also claimed that the video had been edited and maintained that the incident was an act of self-defence.

According to Bhardwaj, he was surrounded by several people during the protest and acted after being pushed and threatened.

What Happened On Friday?

The controversy intensified on Friday when CJP supporters gathered outside Parliament Street Police Station in Delhi.

The delegation demanded immediate action against Bhardwaj and accused Delhi Police of failing to act against him.

A senior police officer met the protesters and, according to CJP representatives, assured them that Bhardwaj would be arrested within 72 hours.

Police teams subsequently traced Bhardwaj to Bulandshahr in Uttar Pradesh, where he was detained.

Reports said police had been searching for him after the controversy surrounding the viral podcast intensified.

What Happens Next?

Bhardwaj is expected to be brought before the investigating authorities as the police continue their probe into the alleged assault.

The investigation will also examine the circumstances of the original confrontation, the medical evidence concerning Sanjay Kumar’s injury and Bhardwaj’s claims that he acted in self-defence.

The viral podcast and Bhardwaj’s subsequent clarification are also likely to form part of the broader controversy surrounding the case.