‘Influencer’ Swatantra Bhardwaj Arrested By Delhi Police Over Attack On CJP Protester’s Father

Last Updated:September 05, 2026, 2:10 PM IST

Swatantra Bhardwaj was arrested by Delhi Police for allegedly attacking the father of a CJP protester during the July agitation at Jantar Mantar

‘Influencer’ Swatantra Bhardwaj (Image credit: X/@Deb_livnletliv)

Self-styled ‘influencer’ Swatantra Bhardwaj was arrested by Delhi Police on Saturday over the attack on the father of a Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protester during the July agitation at Jantar Mantar in Delhi.

His arrest came hours after his detention in Uttar Pradesh’s Bulandshahr on Friday, following protests by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), Indian Youth Congress, and Lok Sabha MPs Chandra Shekhar and Rajesh Ranjan at Parliament Street police station in New Delhi.

Sources told CNN-News18 that Bhardwaj would soon be produced before the Patiala House Court.

The Delhi Police registered a fresh FIR under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act based on a complaint, while also adding sections of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (SC/ST) Act to the existing FIR against him.

What Is The Case?

The 21-year-old ‘influencer’ and others are accused of attacking a man named Sanjay Azad, who had accompanied his minor daughter to Jantar Mantar protests on June 23.

During a recent podcast, Bhardwaj claimed that he had “cracked the victim’s skull open”, adding that he enjoyed the backing of several political leaders, including BJP leader Kapil Mishra and Union Minister Chirag Paswan.

“I cracked the skull of Nishu’s father. Do you know which section this crime attracts? Section 307. He needed 60 stitches. The man was being taken away in an ambulance in a serious condition”.

Bharadwaj claimed that despite the incident, he didn’t go to jail and roamed freely.

“His daughter was standing outside the police station and saying that she would die by suicide if her father didn’t get justice. But I was not even jailed. The world should know this. I was out and about through the night,” Bhardwaj said.

“I have the blessings of Hanuman. Secondly, Kapil Mishra is my elder brother. They say Kapil Mishra called and I was released. Chirag Paswan is my elder brother. How many leaders do you know? Do you know Modi ji? Modi ji is also my elder brother. I have everyone’s support,” he added.

Ire From Opposition, Paswan Distances Self

His remarks drew backlash from the CJP and various opposition parties, including the Congress, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and the Trinamool Congress.

Subsequently, Chirag Paswan distanced himself from any association with the self-proclaimed ‘influencer’, stressing strict action should be taken against those who openly mock the law.

Speaking to reporters, the minister said it would set a wrong precedent in the eyes of the public if no action is initiated against Bhardwaj.

He also accused him of “misusing” his name. “Given the gravity of the matter and since that individual has misused my name, along with the names of several other politicians, I have lodged a formal complaint against him and have also urged the Delhi Police to conduct an impartial investigation… Given the situation Sanjay ji (Nishu’s father) is in today, both my party and I stand firmly with him and his family.”

“Ensuring justice for them is a responsibility that both I and my party fully accept… we will ensure that the truth comes to light and that appropriate action is taken as soon as possible against the person who is openly making a mockery of the law…” he added.

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Why was influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj arrested by Delhi Police?

Swatantra Bhardwaj was arrested by Delhi Police for allegedly attacking Sanjay Azad, the father of a Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protester, during a July agitation at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. He was detained in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, before his arrest.

What new charges have been filed against Swatantra Bhardwaj in the Jantar Mantar assault case?

Delhi Police registered a fresh FIR against Swatantra Bhardwaj under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act based on a complaint. Additionally, sections of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (SC/ST) Act were added to the existing FIR against him.

What were Swatantra Bhardwaj’s claims regarding the Jantar Mantar incident and political backing?

In a podcast, Swatantra Bhardwaj claimed he “cracked the victim’s skull open” and stated he had the backing of political leaders, including BJP leader Kapil Mishra and Union Minister Chirag Paswan, which he alleged helped him avoid immediate arrest.

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Meemansa ShekhawatSub-editor

A Journalism graduate, Meemansa Shekhawat is a sub-editor at News18. Driven by a keen interest in news, she is a passionate writer with specialisation in national and international affairs. You can re…Read More

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