Activist Swatantra Bharadwaj detained over Jantar Mantar protester assault

Delhi Police has detained Swatantra Bhardwaj from Bulandshahr following widespread outrage over remarks made in an independent podcast regarding an assault at Jantar Mantar. The controversy dates back to a confrontation involving student activist Nishu Azad's father, Sanjay Azad, whose medical examination and video statements previously surfaced online. During the broadcast, journalists Arvind Ojha and Himanshu discussed the unfolding legal developments, medical examination reports, and mounting political pressure from leaders such as Chandrashekhar Azad and Rahul Gandhi. Political and student groups have demanded the addition of stringent non-bailable charges, including attempt to murder under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and sections of the SC/ST Act. Delhi Police is examining video evidence, cross-verifying medical records, and compiling witness testimonies to determine further legal steps and court submissions.

Delhi Police have detained right-wing activist Swatantra Bhardwaj from his native village in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, following widespread outrage over an assault on protesters at Jantar Mantar. Bhardwaj was previously caught on camera boasting about attacking activists and bragging about avoiding arrest. The detention occurred after the injured victim's daughter highlighted the incident, prompting political reactions and intervention by leaders including Chandrashekhar Azad. Following demands to invoke strict legal provisions such as the SC/ST Act, POCSO Act, and Section 109 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for attempt to murder, Delhi Police tracked Bhardwaj with local assistance as he changed locations. The victim's daughter also filed a fresh complaint detailing ongoing social media threats, abuse, and harassment. While the formal addition of specific sections to the first information report remains contingent on updated medical reports, Delhi Police initiated action under the SC/ST Act and are bringing Bhardwaj to the Parliament Street police station for legal proceedings.

Influencer Techo Azaad spoke exclusively after meeting with Delhi Police at Jantar Mantar regarding the violent assault on her father. She stated that her primary demand is the immediate arrest of the attacker who struck her father on the head with a sharp weapon, resulting in seven stitches. Azaad demanded that Delhi Police add Section 307 for attempt to murder along with SC/ST Act provisions to the FIR. She also filed a fresh complaint addressing rape threats, abuse, and harassment directed at her on social media. She noted that the police have assured action and the arrest of the accused within 72 hours.

A brief spell of heavy rainfall lasting sixty minutes has triggered waterlogging and traffic snarls across the national capital and Delhi NCR. The India Meteorological Department escalated its weather warning from an orange alert to a red alert, forecasting moderate-to-heavy rainfall. Severe waterlogging was reported outside Terminal arrivals at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, forcing passengers to wade through accumulated water. Traffic bottlenecks were observed along Delhi border flyovers and around the airport area as evening commute hours commenced amid Janmashtami.