Bhardwaj detained in Bulandshahr after CJP protested, demanding arrest over assault on activist’s father.
Swatantra Bhardwaj Sent to One-Day Police Custody in Delhi
New Delhi: Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj was produced before a Delhi court on Saturday, September 5, and was sent to one-day police custody in connection with allegations linked to an assault during a protest at Jantar Mantar in July.
Bhardwaj was initially expected to be physically produced at the Patiala House courts. Police, however, brought him before the court as the investigation into the case continues.
The development came a day after Delhi Police added provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and criminal intimidation to the existing FIR against Bhardwaj.
The case relates to the alleged assault of the father of a minor activist during a protest led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar on July 20. Bhardwaj has also been booked in a separate case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Bhardwaj was detained in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, on Friday, hours after CJP members held a protest outside the Parliament Street police station in Delhi demanding his arrest.
CJP co-convener Saurav Das said police had added Section 351(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, relating to criminal intimidation involving a threat of death, along with provisions of the SC/ST Act.
Das also said provisions relating to attempt to murder or attempt to culpable homicide would be added soon. He further claimed that the legal team was seeking the inclusion of a provision relating to grievous injury.
The allegations have attracted attention following statements Bhardwaj reportedly made in an interview about the July protest.
‘Cracked the skull’ claimIn the interview, Bhardwaj claimed that he had “cracked the skull” of the minor activist’s father and suggested that his political connections helped him avoid arrest.
“I cracked the skull… Do you know which section this crime attracts? Section 307. He needed 60 stitches,” he reportedly said.
Delhi Police had earlier stated that the injured man’s injuries were simple in nature and were allegedly caused by a steel bracelet.
Bhardwaj later gave a different account in a podcast, claiming that he had acted in self-defence.
The conflicting claims are now part of a wider investigation into what happened during the July protest. The court’s decision to grant one-day police custody allows investigators to question Bhardwaj as they continue examining the allegations and available evidence.
Separate POCSO caseMeanwhile, police have registered another FIR under the POCSO Act following a complaint from the minor activist.
According to CJP co-convener Saurav Das, the fresh case includes BNS Sections 351(3), 78, relating to stalking, and 79, concerning insulting the modesty of a woman. Section 67 of the Information Technology Act has also been invoked.
The minor activist has previously alleged that she received rape threats, abusive messages and morphed images after publicly speaking about the alleged assault on her father and filing a police complaint.
The latest developments have therefore expanded the legal proceedings beyond the original assault allegations, bringing online threats and harassment into the investigation as well.
The case remains under investigation, and the allegations against Bhardwaj will ultimately have to be established through the legal process.
Swatantra Bhardwaj was sent to one-day police custody on September 5.
He was detained in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh .
The case relates to an alleged assault during a Jantar Mantar protest .
Delhi Police added provisions of the SC/ST Act and criminal intimidation.
Bhardwaj has also been booked under the POCSO Act .
He has claimed that he acted in self-defence .
Police had earlier described the alleged victim’s injuries as simple .
A separate POCSO FIR concerns alleged online threats and harassment .
The minor activist has alleged receiving rape threats, abuse and morphed images .
The allegations remain subject to investigation and the judicial process.