Who is Swatantra Bhardwaj? The Controversial Hindutva Influencer Arrested in Uttar Pradesh

Swatantra Bhardwaj, a prominent Hindutva influencer, was arrested in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, following allegations of assaulting the father of a student during a protest in July. His detention came after police assured protesters that action would be taken within 72 hours. Bhardwaj, who identifies as a 'kattar Hindu', had previously boasted about his actions in a viral video. His attempt to evade arrest by fleeing on a motorcycle has drawn significant attention, prompting protests demanding accountability. Read on to learn more about this unfolding situation.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 4, 2026, 18:00 IST

Arrest of Hindutva Influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj

New Delhi: Swatantra Bhardwaj, known for his Hindutva views, was apprehended in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, on Friday. This occurred just hours after Delhi Police informed protesters from the CJP that he would be taken into custody within 72 hours for allegedly attacking the father of a student back in July, according to officials.

Multiple police teams were dispatched to locate Bhardwaj, who identifies himself as a 'kattar Hindu'. A video surfaced online where he can be heard bragging about injuring Sanjay Kumar, the father of student activist Nishu Azad, during a protest on July 20 in Delhi.

Reports indicate that Bhardwaj attempted to escape from Naithla village on a Bullet motorcycle, heading towards Khurja before law enforcement arrived to detain him. He was reportedly wearing a helmet to hide his identity, as per officials.

In response to his actions, the Cockroach Janta Party organized a demonstration outside the Parliament Street police station in the capital on Friday, demanding immediate action against him.