Political controversy grows after major court update in Swatantra Bhardwaj case
New Delhi: The legal battle surrounding the Jantar Mantar protest incident intensified on Sunday after a Delhi court sent Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj to one-day judicial custody in connection with the alleged assault case involving Sanjay Kumar, father of CJP activist Nishu Azad.
Bhardwaj was produced before Duty Magistrate Anjali Singh through video conferencing on expiry of his one-day police remand. The court order came as Delhi Police continued investigating allegations related to assault, criminal intimidation and other charges linked to the July 20 incident.
The development came days after Delhi Police Crime Branch detained Bhardwaj from Bulandshahr on Friday. His detention followed a protest by Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) supporters outside the Parliament Street police station, where demonstrators demanded his immediate arrest over allegations of assault against Sanjay Kumar during the CJP-led protest at Jantar Mantar. After being detained, Bhardwaj was brought to Delhi and presented before the court as investigators moved ahead with the case.
Delhi Police has added provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act along with criminal intimidation charges to the FIR registered against Bhardwaj.
The complaint relates to allegations that Sanjay Kumar was attacked during the protest. Sanjay Kumar had participated in the demonstration along with his daughter, who is associated with CJP activities.
Earlier, police had stated that Sanjay Kumar’s injuries were simple in nature and were allegedly caused by a steel bracelet. Bhardwaj later claimed that his actions during the incident were in self-defence.
The case gained further momentum after a podcast and interview linked to Bhardwaj triggered strong reactions. The complainant side alleged that statements made during the interaction required further investigation and strengthened their demand for strict legal action. The controversy increased pressure on authorities as CJP supporters continued demanding action and additional sections in the case.
In another major development, Delhi Police registered a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act following a complaint by the minor CJP activist.
The complaint alleged online harassment, threats and abusive content targeting the student activist after she spoke publicly about the alleged attack on her father.
Police have also reportedly invoked provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including sections related to criminal intimidation, stalking and insulting the modesty of a woman, along with relevant sections of the Information Technology Act. The investigation into the online allegations is currently underway.
The developments followed a meeting between CJP representatives, Sanjay Kumar and Azad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram) chief and Nagina MP Chandrashekhar Azad with police officials at the Parliament Street police station.
The delegation demanded strict action against Bhardwaj and sought the inclusion of additional charges, including attempt-to-murder provisions and SC/ST Act sections. They also demanded a separate FIR over alleged rape threats and online abuse targeting the minor activist.
The case has triggered a wider debate over political protests, alleged violence during demonstrations, online speech and accountability in criminal investigations.
While CJP supporters have demanded swift action against Bhardwaj, his supporters have also staged protests following his detention. The controversy has continued to dominate social media discussions, with opposing sides presenting different views on the allegations and police action.
