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Police investigation intensifies as accused faces expanded charges in Delhi case
New Delhi: A Delhi court on Monday remanded Swatantra Bhardwaj to 14 days of judicial custody in connection with the alleged assault of the father of a teenage activist during the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led protest at Jantar Mantar on July 20.
Additional Sessions Judge Saurabh Pratap Singh Laler of the Patiala House Courts passed the order after Bhardwaj was produced before the court following the completion of his one-day police remand. He is now scheduled to be produced before the court on September 21. The case has gained major attention following the arrest of the Hindutva influencer, viral video remarks and the addition of multiple legal provisions by Delhi Police.
Bhardwaj had initially been remanded to one day of police custody after his arrest. He was detained in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, on September 4, shortly after CJP members and supporters staged a demonstration outside the Parliament Street Police Station seeking action against him in connection with the alleged assault.
The criminal proceedings stem from allegations that Bhardwaj assaulted the father of a minor CJP activist during a protest at Jantar Mantar. The matter subsequently assumed greater significance after purported remarks made by Bhardwaj during a video podcast surfaced on social media and triggered demands for his arrest.
Following the escalation, the Delhi Police expanded the FIR to incorporate provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 along with allegations relating to criminal intimidation. A separate case has also been registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act)
The case initially involved allegations under Sections 115(2)and 126(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), concerning voluntarily causing hurt and wrongful restraint respectively. The subsequent addition of provisions under the SC/ST Act has widened the statutory framework within which the alleged incident is being investigated.
Bhardwaj came under heightened scrutiny after his statements in a video podcast concerning the alleged confrontation went viral. Reports indicate that he spoke about the incident and claimed political connections. The remarks subsequently became part of the broader controversy surrounding the case.
The accused has also approached the Delhi High Court through a habeas corpus petition, challenging the legality of his arrest and seeking his release. The plea raises questions concerning the manner and circumstances in which the arrest was effected, even as the criminal investigation continues.
The Delhi Police, meanwhile, has maintained that the investigation is being conducted in accordance with law and has rejected allegations of political interference. The agency is examining the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault as well as material that surfaced through social media platforms.
With Bhardwaj now in judicial custody, the investigation will proceed subject to the orders of the competent court. The proceedings are likely to bring under judicial scrutiny the allegations forming the basis of the FIR,
the applicability of the special statutory provisions invoked by the police and the evidentiary significance of the digital material relied upon during the investigation. The matter is next scheduled to come up before the court on September 21.
