Delhi Police Promises Action Against Hindutva Influencer Swatantra Bharadwaj in Assault Case

In a significant development, the Delhi Police has pledged to arrest Swatantra Bharadwaj, accused of assaulting the father of student activist Nishu Azad, within 72 hours. This promise follows a viral video where Bharadwaj boasts about the incident, raising concerns over police inaction. The Cockroach Janta Party, which organized the protest, has been vocal in demanding justice, while Nishu has reported facing threats and harassment since the incident. The situation has sparked outrage, with political leaders calling for accountability and questioning the police's handling of the case. As tensions rise, the community awaits the police's promised actions.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 4, 2026, 16:05 IST

Police Assurance on Arrest of Swatantra Bharadwaj

New Delhi: Representatives from the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) announced on Friday that the Delhi Police has committed to arresting Swatantra Bharadwaj, who is accused of attacking the father of student activist Nishu Azad during a protest at Jantar Mantar, within the next 72 hours.

This assurance followed the viral spread of a video interview featuring Bharadwaj, who identifies himself as a 'kattar Hindu' (hardline Hindu). In the video, he boasted about having 'cracked the skull' of Sanjay Kumar, Nishu's father, during the protest, claiming he managed to avoid jail despite the severity of the allegations.

The CJP, which organized the protest where the incident occurred, has been vocal in demanding Bharadwaj's arrest, accusing the police of inadequate action.

The situation escalated on Thursday when police reported that Kumar, aged 38, had only sustained a minor head injury during the altercation, dismissing claims of a fractured skull.

Authorities stated that Bharadwaj and another suspect, Suraj Kumar, were detained at the scene, questioned, and issued notices, with plans to file a chargesheet.

On Friday, CJP co-conveners Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, along with numerous supporters and MPs Chandrashekhar Azad and Pappu Yadav, visited the Parliament Street police station to demand action against Bharadwaj.

A large group of CJP supporters gathered outside the police station, chanting slogans for justice for Nishu and calling for action against the self-proclaimed Hindutva influencer.

Nishu reported that the police assured her delegation that Bharadwaj would be apprehended within 72 hours.

"The police have promised to arrest Swatantra within 72 hours. We trust they will act promptly this time," she told reporters.

Nishu also revealed that she has faced verbal harassment and threats of sexual violence following the incident, prompting her to file a First Information Report (FIR).

"I felt ashamed to go outside. For weeks, I couldn't attend school, fearing judgment from others. I hope the police will take decisive action," she expressed.

Rishabh, affiliated with the AICC law department, stated that the delegation requested the inclusion of charges such as attempted murder, provisions of the SC/ST Act, and criminal intimidation in the FIR.

"We insisted on adding serious charges that were initially overlooked—attempted murder, SC/ST Act, and criminal intimidation. They agreed and assured us that he would be arrested within 72 hours," he said.

He added that police also promised to file a separate FIR regarding the online harassment and inappropriate images targeting Nishu.

Das mentioned that the Additional DCP committed to incorporating attempted murder and SC/ST Act provisions into the FIR concerning the alleged assault on Nishu's father.

"Individuals like Swatantra Bharadwaj came to Jantar Mantar. Did the Delhi Police fail to identify them? He committed attempted murder. The police are protecting him, and no action has been taken," Das criticized.

He also noted that police assured them an FIR would be filed regarding threats against Nishu, with provisions of the POCSO Act included.

"Delhi Police has promised action within 72 hours. We hope they will not allow criminals to operate freely," Das stated.

Das warned that CJP representatives would return to the police station if the police did not uphold their commitments.

"We have engaged with Delhi Police. If they fail to deliver on their promises, we will have to return. Delhi Police must honor their commitments. We stand with the students," he asserted.

The CJP has raised concerns about why Bharadwaj was allowed to remain at large following the incident at Jantar Mantar.

Chandrashekhar Azad, chief of the Azad Samaj Party and MP from Nagina, criticized the police for their inaction against Bharadwaj.

"We have all witnessed how the accused has appeared on television, openly admitting to the allegations. He stated they intended to kill the victim, that they assaulted her, and that she sustained injuries. Yet, the police have not arrested them," Azad remarked.

"They were merely issued notices and permitted to leave. The accused is intimidating the victim, posting status updates, threatening to disrupt public peace, and targeting Muslims. His actions threaten the communal harmony and unity of our nation," he added.

Azad revealed that Nishu had received repeated threats of sexual violence, acid attacks, and even death.

"They are living in fear. If this is the situation in the capital, one can only imagine the conditions in rural areas. We met with police officials, and they assured us they are investigating and will make arrests..." he concluded.

In a one-hour interview available on YouTube, Bharadwaj also claimed to have political connections.

"I have the blessings of Hanuman. Kapil Mishra is my elder brother. They say he called, and I was released. Chirag Paswan is also my elder brother. How many leaders do you know? Do you know Modi ji? He is also my elder brother. I have support from everyone," he stated.

Das urged senior BJP leaders to clarify Bharadwaj's claims.

"If this thug is openly stating that Kapil Mishra and Chirag Paswan made calls for his release, top BJP leaders should address this matter," he said.