Chirag Paswan Files Complaint Against Hindutva Influencer Over Assault Incident

Union Minister Chirag Paswan has filed a complaint against Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bharadwaj, alleging misuse of his name in connection with an assault on a student activist's father during protests. The incident has sparked controversy, with Bharadwaj claiming he received help from a Delhi minister to avoid arrest. Following his arrest, protests have erupted demanding more serious charges against Bharadwaj. The situation continues to develop as both sides present their claims regarding the incident.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 5, 2026, 20:04 IST

Minister Takes Action Amid Controversy

On Friday, Union Minister Chirag Paswan lodged a formal complaint against a Hindutva influencer, alleging the misuse of his name in relation to an assault incident involving the father of a student activist during protests at Jantar Mantar. Reports indicate that Paswan accused influencer Swatantra Bharadwaj of publicly misrepresenting his association with the case.

The controversy escalated after Bharadwaj claimed in a podcast that he received assistance from Delhi minister Kapil Mishra, which allegedly helped him evade arrest following the assault on Sanjay Kumar, the father of student activist Nishu Aazad.

In the same podcast, Bharadwaj referred to Paswan as his 'elder brother' and asserted that he had widespread support.

On Saturday, Bharadwaj was taken into custody and placed in one-day police detention, according to reports.

Paswan expressed his solidarity with Kumar's family, stating that both he and his party, the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), are committed to ensuring justice. He emphasized that public interactions do not equate to personal relationships.

Bharadwaj's Defense

The assault on Kumar occurred on July 23 during protests against alleged irregularities in competitive exams. A video of Bharadwaj circulated online, where he claimed he was not imprisoned despite the assault.

In response to the incident, members of the Cockroach Janta Party protested outside the Parliament Street police station, urging the addition of attempted murder charges to the initial report.

CJP co-convenor Saurav Das mentioned that the additional deputy commissioner of police had agreed to consider adding charges related to attempted murder and provisions from the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Prevention of Atrocities Act.

Bharadwaj defended his actions, stating he acted in self-defense and claimed he could have faced severe harm from a mob. He insisted that there was no intent to attack Kumar and referenced video evidence to support his claims, asserting that Kumar did not sustain significant injuries according to a medical report.