The Delhi Police on Saturday laid hands on self-proclaimed Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj in connection with the alleged assault of the father of a protestor, who was part of the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP)-led demonstrations at Jantar Mantar in the national capital. Bhardwaj claimed in a podcast that he had assaulted Sanjay Kumar, father of 14-year-old protestor, Nishu Azad.

Post-arrest, Bhardwaj was produced before the concerned judge at the latter’s house in the Karkardooma Court complex, from where he was remanded to one-day police custody. The police made the arrest after mounting pressure from the CJP and the Opposition parties.

Viral clip from podcast fuels assault case

The manhandling of the protestors at Jantar Mantar picked up pace again two days ago after a clip from a podcast interview featuring Bhardwaj went viral. In the clip, Bhardwaj claimed to have ‘cracked the skull’ of Nishu’s father and spoke about the purported assault in graphic terms.

On Friday, representatives of the CJP, as well as its supporters and other political leaders congregated outside the Parliament Street Police Station in Delhi, voicing demands for strong legal action against Bhardwaj. Police had reportedly assured the protestors that Bhardwaj shall be arrested within 72 hours.

Swatantra Bhardwaj (Left), Sanjay Kumar (middle) and Nishu Azad (Right)

Following pressure from the outfit, Delhi police involved provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and Section 351(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertains to criminal intimidation involving a death threat, to the existing FIR.

Bhardwaj was also booked under the POCSO Act for allegedly harassing and issuing threats to Nishu, who is a minor.

CJP seeks attempt-to-murder charge

The CJP demanded that provisions pertaining to attempt-to-murder or attempt to commit culpable homicide be invoked against Bhardwaj.

However, the police indicated that the victim’s medical examination would be considered before deciding whether a more serious charge should be added to the case.

AAP takes aim at Chirag Paswan, BJP

Following Bhardwaj’s arrest, AAP’s Delhi president Saurabh Bhardwaj accused the BJP of attempting to shield the accused, alleging that the cops initially sought to register the case under relatively minor provisions.

He said, “BJP is a snake with two faces,” alleging that the city’s DCP, Sachin Sharma had tried to ensure that the case was registered under minor charges so that the accused would not have to face imprisonment.

He then slammed Union Minister Chirag Paswan over his remarks concerning Bhardwaj. Referring to Paswan’s father, Bhardwaj said, “His father had a very particular trait, and he has it too,” alleging that Paswan had sensed a political shift and was accordingly changing his position.