CJP Protest Row: Swatantra Bhardwaj Detained In UP After Alleged Escape Attempt, Say Police

Self-styled influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj was detained in Uttar Pradesh on Friday in connection with the alleged assault on the father of student activist Nishu Aazad during a protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, police said.

Police said Bhardwaj was subsequently caught while making an attempt to flee in Bulandshahr.

His arrest came hours after members of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and their supporters took to the streets outside the Parliament Street police station in the Indian capital of New Delhi demanding his arrest.

The protesters stepped up their demand for action after a video interview of Bhardwaj, who allegedly made it his business to break the skull of Nishu's father Sanjay Kumar, caught on July 20 while protesting.

The Delhi Police has been accused of not taking adequate action in the alleged assault by the members of CJP and leader Chandrashekhar Azad, president of the Azad Samaj Party, and his MP from Nagina.

Earlier police had assured the protestors that Bhardwaj will be arrested within 72 hours. The protesters also demanded to have better charges like attempt to murder, criminal intimidation and provisions under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

The controversy gained momentum after excerpts from a lengthy interview with Bhardwaj circulated widely on social media.

Bhardwaj, in the video, seemed to talk about the alleged assault and mentioned Section 307, which he said Sanjay Kumar needed several stitches for and was shifted away in an ambulance.

He further seemed to mention the political connections in the episode and mentioned BJP leaders Kapil Mishra and Chirag Paswan, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The information is not independently substantiated.

Later, Bhardwaj tried to defend his actions by claiming that it was self-defence. He stated that he was surrounded by a bunch of people and he was afraid that he might be attacked or killed.

His comments led to additional calls for his arrest and further investigation into the violence that erupted in the June-July protests by members of CJP and opposition leaders.

Delhi Police has denied that Sanjay Kumar had sustained a fractured skull. Police said he was injured in a scuffle with someone and suffered a simple head injury.

A complaint was lodged and a case was registered on his complaint. Earlier, police had granted bail to Bhardwaj and other accused, Suraj Kumar, who were arrested at the protest site, questioned and issued notices.

The official state that the investigation is ongoing and a chargesheet would be filed before the competent court.

Police also rejected claims of political interference in the delay in Bhardwaj's action.

The protesters had sought the extension in the case to include provisions of the SC/ST Act and more serious criminal charges.

A police source stated Sanjay Kumar would have to go for another checkup after the SC/ST Act. Investigators then would decide if the evidence was sufficient to prove an attempt-to-murder.

Nishu Aazad has separately claimed that she was subjected to verbal abuse, rape threats after lodging an FIR after her father complained against the assault.

The controversy has impacted her personal and academic life and has been a hindrance to her being able to attend school for several weeks, she said.

Bhardwaj's arrest in UP is the latest development in the ongoing tussle, with police now saying they would continue questioning him's as part of the investigation.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Susmita Modak

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Always love to raise the unraised matter. In a world of worries, I am always ready to come over my comfort zone and taking the step ahead of spreading awareness.

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