Row Erupts Over Influencer's Assault Video at Jantar Mantar
A political controversy has erupted following an incident at Jantar Mantar after a video surfaced showing self-styled influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj claiming political protection saved him from arrest after he allegedly assaulted the father of a student activist. Delhi Police have firmly rejected allegations of political interference and disputed claims that the victim sustained a fractured skull.
The incident occurred during a Cockroach Janta Party protest at Jantar Mantar, where 38-year-old Sanjay Kumar, a resident of Ghaziabad, sustained a head injury. Kumar is the father of student activist Nishu Azad, who was participating in and documenting the demonstration. According to Delhi Police, Kumar suffered the injury during a scuffle caused by a kada, or bangle, worn by one of the men involved.
In the viral video, Bhardwaj claimed he had cracked Kumar's skull and alleged that a phone call from Delhi minister Kapil Mishra secured his release. Bhardwaj claimed that Kumar required 60 stitches and that the crime attracted Section 307, asserting that he had backing from Mishra, Union minister Chirag Paswan, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. News agency PTI reached out to Mishra and Paswan for comment, but received no response. Bhardwaj also shared a photo of his kada on Instagram with the caption "Feel the power!"
Delhi Police issued a statement through the office of the deputy commissioner of police, New Delhi, dismissing the claims of severe trauma or external influence. Police stated that Kumar was examined by doctors at RML Hospital, who determined the injuries were simple in nature and caused by a kada rather than a weapon. Authorities described the claims of a cracked skull as baseless and unsupported by the medico-legal case report.
Investigators confirmed that a case was registered at Parliament Street police station based on Kumar's statement. Police detained 21-year-old Swatantra Bhardwaj and 24-year-old Suraj Kumar from the protest site, served them legal notices, and interrogated them. Police stated that due legal action was taken, that a chargesheet would soon be submitted before the competent court, and that all allegations of undue influence were factually incorrect.
The development prompted sharp reactions from opposition figures, with Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi questioning why the accused had not been jailed and offering support to Azad. AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal and Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra also attacked the government over the claims. Meanwhile, the Cockroach Janta Party announced plans to march to Parliament Street police station to seek justice for Kumar and Azad.
