Controversial Hindutva Influencer Detained After Alleged Assault on Protester’s Father

The ongoing protests at Jantar Mantar, which highlight alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, have taken a serious turn with the detention of Swatantra Bharadwaj, a well-known Hindutva influencer. The Delhi Police acted on the matter after it was reported that Bharadwaj had assaulted Sanjay Kumar, the father of student activist Nishu Aazad, during these demonstrations. This incident has ignited significant outrage, particularly following a video that surfaced online where Bharadwaj appeared to boast about his actions.

On July 23, amidst the protests, Kumar was physically attacked, which led to widespread condemnation. The situation escalated when a video clip featuring Bharadwaj circulated on social media. In this video, he allegedly claimed that a phone call from Delhi minister Kapil Mishra had helped him evade arrest for the assault, a statement that has further inflamed tensions among the protestors and their supporters.

In response to the incident, members of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) organized a demonstration on Friday outside the Parliament Street police station, demanding that the police include charges of attempted murder in the first information report related to the case. CJP co-convenor Saurav Das expressed concern over the apparent inaction of the police, stating, “Goons like Swatantra Bharadwaj came to Jantar Mantar. Did Delhi Police not identify them?” He further indicated that the additional deputy commissioner of police had assured protesters that serious charges would be added to the case, including provisions under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Prevention of Atrocities Act.

This unfolding situation highlights the increasing tensions surrounding the protests, which are fueled by widespread allegations of corruption in competitive examinations. The protests have drawn attention not only to the grievances of students but also to broader societal issues, including the rights and protections of marginalized communities in India. As the legal proceedings continue, many are watching closely to see how law enforcement and the judicial system will respond to the calls for justice in this high-profile case.

Source: scroll.in