Swatantra Video Row: Delhi Police Reveal Sequence Of Events Behind June 23 Video Recording Dispute

Political controversy erupted after viral video statements from Satyendra Bhardwaj triggered fresh confrontations between the opposition, the government, and Delhi Police. The opposition, led by Rahul Gandhi and the Congress alongside Azad Samaj Party MP Chandrashekhar Azad, accused the authorities of providing patronage to lumpen elements involved in the July 21 violence during student protests at Jantar Mantar. Bhardwaj claimed in an interview that he assaulted Nishu Azad's father, wielded police equipment, and escaped strict action due to political links. Delhi Police issued a fact-check refuting political interference and stating medical reports showed superficial injuries. However, following demands from political leaders and legal representatives who visited Parliament Street Police Station, Delhi Police invoked the SC/ST Act and agreed to conduct a fresh MLC to ascertain if the injuries were grievous enough to warrant an attempt to murder charge.

Delhi Police teams, including officials from the New Delhi district and the Crime Branch, have reached Bulandshahr in Uttar Pradesh to conduct an investigation after tracing the last known location of an individual linked to the Jantar Mantar altercation. The development follows renewed attention and demonstrations after remarks surfaced in a viral podcast regarding the June 23 incident. The investigation is examining FIR details, cross-allegations regarding scuffles over video recording, self-defence claims, and reported threats. Police are analysing multiple video recordings and recording statements from involved parties before initiating further legal action.

The confirmed death toll in the Nepal flash floods has risen to 1,287, with more than 5,000 people still missing as rescue and relief operations enter their tenth day. Over 13,000 individuals have been rescued so far. Multiple international and domestic agencies, including the Indian Army, NDRF, Nepalese Army, Nepal Police, and expert teams from China and Australia, are conducting operations in severely affected regions. Rescue teams achieved a breakthrough at the Trishuli hydro project sites after drilling 70 to 80 metres into a tunnel, pulling out two survivors alive. Road connectivity remains disrupted with washed-away bridges, prompting authorities to use pulley cables and air evacuation to reach stranded villages.

At least 1,200 people have died as Nepal battles the aftermath of devastating flash floods. In a major rescue operation, two men, identified as Sanjay Sah and Kabir Maharjan, were pulled out alive from the Trishuli 3A hydropower tunnel nine days after the disaster. Authorities continue search and rescue efforts, while over 600 children remain missing across Rasuwa and Nuwakot after 12 schools were destroyed. Meanwhile, India has stepped up humanitarian assistance, sending two aircraft carrying over 21 tonnes of essential relief materials, medicines, and forensic equipment. Nepal has declared September 7 as a day of national mourning to honour the victims of the disaster.