Influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj Detained in UP After Escape Bid Over Alleged Assault at CJP Protest

Self-styled influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj was detained in Uttar Pradesh on Friday in connection with the alleged assault of Sanjay Kumar, father of student activist Nishu Aazad, during a protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. Police said Bhardwaj was detained in Bulandshahr after allegedly attempting to escape. His detention came amid mounting pressure on Delhi Police following a viral interview in which he appeared to claim responsibility for seriously assaulting Kumar during the July 20 protest.

The development followed a protest by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) outside the Parliament Street police station in Delhi, where demonstrators demanded Bhardwaj’s arrest. The protesters were joined by Azad Samaj Party chief and Nagina MP Chandrashekhar Azad and other supporters. They accused Delhi Police of failing to take adequate action despite Bhardwaj’s purported remarks in the viral interview and sought stronger legal provisions in the case.

Police had earlier said Bhardwaj and another accused, Suraj Kumar, were detained at the Jantar Mantar protest, questioned and served notices. Officials maintained that the investigation was continuing and that a chargesheet would be filed. Following the latest protest, police reportedly assured the delegation that Bhardwaj would be arrested within 72 hours. Demonstrators also demanded that the case include charges related to attempt to murder, criminal intimidation and provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

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The controversy intensified after a clip from a lengthy interview featuring Bhardwaj circulated widely on social media. In the video, he appeared to describe attacking Sanjay Kumar and referred to the seriousness of the alleged injuries. He also appeared to discuss the possibility of an attempt-to-murder charge and claimed that he had avoided jail despite the alleged assault. His remarks prompted renewed demands from protesters for immediate and stronger legal action.

Bhardwaj also appeared to claim in the interview that he had political connections, referring to BJP leaders Kapil Mishra and Chirag Paswan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, the claims made in the interview do not by themselves establish the circumstances of the incident or determine legal responsibility. The allegations against Bhardwaj remain subject to investigation, while the police are examining the available evidence and statements connected to the case.

Delhi Police has disputed claims that Sanjay Kumar suffered a skull fracture, stating that he sustained a simple head injury during a scuffle and that a case was registered on his complaint. The differing accounts over the nature and severity of the injuries have become a key part of the dispute. With Bhardwaj now detained in Uttar Pradesh after the reported escape attempt, investigators will determine the next legal steps as the case continues.

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