Members of Hindu organisations gathered outside the Parliament Street Police Station in New Delhi on Saturday to protest the detention of social media influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj, who is accused of assaulting the father of student activist Nishu Azad during a protest at Jantar Mantar.
The demonstration came a day after the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) held a protest at the same police station demanding action against Bhardwaj. Delhi Police subsequently detained him in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, in connection with the case.
Hindu Groups Demand Action Against Police Case
The protesters gathered in support of Bhardwaj and questioned the sections invoked against him. Organisers demanded that the provisions under the SC/ST Act, POCSO Act and attempt-to-murder provisions be reviewed, claiming that the charges were added under pressure.
The demands are part of a widening dispute between supporters of Bhardwaj and CJP activists over the June 23 incident at Jantar Mantar.
The protest was organised by members of Hindu groups, with the demonstrators seeking what they described as a fair investigation and opposing what they consider excessive legal action against Bhardwaj.
Bhardwaj Detained in Bulandshahr
Bhardwaj was detained in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, on Friday following a police search. Reports said he had travelled to the area after the controversy over the Jantar Mantar incident intensified.
Delhi Police had earlier faced pressure from CJP activists, who staged a demonstration outside the Parliament Street station and sought his arrest. Police had assured the protesters that action would be taken, according to reports.
The detention followed the circulation of a video in which Bhardwaj allegedly spoke about the confrontation with Sanjay Kumar, Nishu Azad's father.
What Happened at Jantar Mantar?
The dispute relates to an incident during a CJP protest at Jantar Mantar on June 23. Sanjay Kumar, who was accompanying his daughter, suffered a head injury during the confrontation.
CJP members alleged that Kumar was attacked and demanded stronger criminal action against those responsible. A case was subsequently registered at Parliament Street Police Station.
Bhardwaj has given a different account. While a video circulating online was interpreted as him claiming responsibility for the assault, he later described the incident as self-defence, saying he had been surrounded by a group of people.
Delhi Police Disputes Skull Fracture Claim
Delhi Police has disputed claims that Kumar suffered a skull fracture or a severe injury caused by a weapon.
According to the police version reported by The Indian Express, Kumar sustained a head injury after being struck by a metal bracelet, or kada. He was taken to RML Hospital for medical examination, and police said the medico-legal assessment described the injury as minor. The police have also denied allegations of political interference in the investigation.
The differing accounts over the extent of Kumar's injuries have become a central point of contention in the case.
CJP Had Earlier Protested for Arrest
Before Bhardwaj was detained, CJP representatives marched to Parliament Street Police Station on Friday demanding his arrest.
The protest followed the emergence of the video in which Bhardwaj allegedly discussed the confrontation. CJP representatives called for stringent legal action and criticised the initial handling of the case.
The organisation's protest also drew political attention, with MPs joining the demonstration and demanding action.
Fresh Charges Add to Dispute
The case has since expanded beyond the original allegations of assault. Reports said police added provisions under the SC/ST Act, while a separate POCSO-related case was also reported in connection with allegations involving a minor.
The competing protests now reflect two sharply different positions: CJP and its supporters are demanding strict action against Bhardwaj, while Hindu organisations supporting him are questioning the charges and seeking what they describe as a fair investigation.
The investigation and judicial process will determine the allegations against the accused. At this stage, claims made by either side should not be treated as established findings.
.jpg)
1.jpg)
1.jpg)
.jpg)
