Delhi Police action intensifies after fresh allegations in Swatantra Bhardwaj case
New Delhi: The controversy surrounding social media creator Swatantra Bhardwaj has intensified after Delhi Police registered a fresh case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and added provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act in connection with the Jantar Mantar protest violence case.
The development has reignited a month-old dispute involving allegations of assault, threats against a minor, viral social media statements and questions over the pace of police action. The case has now moved beyond the original protest clash, turning into a wider debate over online intimidation, accountability and the role of digital influencers in politically charged situations.
The controversy traces back to the June 23 protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, where a confrontation allegedly broke out between Swatantra Bhardwaj and others and Sanjay Azad, who was present at the protest with his 14-year-old daughter.
According to the complaint, an argument began after Azad was questioned over recording videos at the protest site. The situation allegedly escalated into a physical clash, following which Azad sustained head injuries.
An FIR was initially registered at Parliament Street Police Station under sections related to causing hurt and wrongful restraint under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The complaint mentioned injuries on different parts of his head, while his family alleged that he required multiple stitches following the incident.
For weeks, the matter remained under investigation, but it returned to public attention after a viral podcast in which Bhardwaj allegedly made remarks about the incident.
The controversy gained momentum after Bhardwaj’s statements during a video podcast circulated widely on social media platforms. His remarks regarding the protest clash triggered sharp reactions from activists, political groups and the complainant’s family, with demands for stronger legal action.
The minor daughter of Sanjay Azad later alleged that she faced online harassment, abuse and rape threats after speaking publicly about the incident and seeking action. The allegations prompted renewed pressure on authorities, with activists and political representatives questioning whether the initial investigation reflected the seriousness of the claims.
Following the latest developments, Delhi Police registered a separate FIR under the POCSO Act based on the complaint filed by the minor. The case reportedly involves allegations of threats, online harassment and intimidation targeting a child. Since the matter involves a minor, authorities have maintained confidentiality regarding several details of the investigation.
The addition of POCSO provisions has significantly changed the legal landscape of the case, bringing stricter child protection laws into the investigation. Police are also examining digital evidence, including social media posts, online communications and other material linked to the allegations.
Along with the fresh POCSO case, Delhi Police have added provisions under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act to the existing assault case. The move follows allegations that caste-based remarks were made during the confrontation.
Supporters of Sanjay Azad had been demanding stronger sections, including action related to serious injuries and intimidation. Investigators have indicated that further legal provisions will depend on evidence collected during the probe and medical assessments.
Delhi Police detained Swatantra Bhardwaj from Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, after tracing his location through investigative inputs. The action came shortly after protests outside Parliament Street Police Station, where CJP representatives and supporters demanded immediate arrest and stricter charges.
Police teams are continuing their investigation into multiple allegations connected with the case, including the assault complaint, threats against the minor and claims made during online interactions.
The case also entered the political arena after Bhardwaj allegedly referred to his association with prominent political figures while discussing the controversy.
Union minister Chirag Paswan later distanced himself from the matter and reportedly filed a complaint, objecting to the alleged use of his name in connection with the incident.
The controversy has raised broader questions about the influence of social media personalities, political associations and the responsibilities that come with online platforms.
Earlier, Delhi Police had maintained that Sanjay Azad suffered injuries during a scuffle and that the injuries were caused by a kada worn by one of the accused. Police had initially described the injuries as simple in nature based on medical examination. However, after fresh allegations and additional complaints, investigators are reassessing different aspects of the case. Officials are examining whether more serious charges can be added based on medical findings, witness statements and available evidence.
