Self-Styled Influencer Granted Bail in Assault Case
Bail Granted to Swatantra Bhardwaj
File image of Swatantra Bhardwaj(Photo: IANS)
New Delhi, Oct 6: The Patiala House Court has approved regular bail for Swatantra Bhardwaj, a self-proclaimed influencer, who was detained for allegedly assaulting the father of a minor activist during a protest at Jantar Mantar.
Previously, on September 15, the court had granted Bhardwaj interim bail for three weeks under specific conditions while reviewing his request for regular bail.
Bhardwaj faces accusations of attacking Sanjay Kumar, the father of a minor protester, during a demonstration in July at Jantar Mantar.
According to the Delhi Police, the injuries reported by the complainant were classified as 'simple' and were purportedly inflicted by a steel bracelet.
The FIR includes relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, and laws concerning criminal intimidation.
During the bail hearing in September, the Patiala House Court questioned the Delhi Police regarding whether caste-related language was used during the incident. The prosecution noted that the initial complaint did not mention such language, and the allegation was introduced later when the complainant's statement was re-recorded, leading to the addition of SC/ST Act provisions to the FIR.
Bhardwaj was apprehended in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, on September 4, shortly after members of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) approached senior Delhi Police officials demanding his arrest.
Earlier, the Delhi High Court dismissed a habeas corpus petition filed by Bhardwaj contesting his arrest in the assault case. A Bench comprising Justices Navin Chawla and Ravinder Dudeja rejected the plea, stating it was not maintainable as Bhardwaj had already been placed in judicial custody.
The case gained attention following a viral video where Bhardwaj purportedly admitted to physically assaulting the father of the minor activist during the protest and claimed he was released due to his 'political connections.'
Later, Bhardwaj asserted to the media that he acted in self-defense. Additionally, a separate FIR was filed against him under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act based on the minor activist's complaint, which included allegations of online rape threats and harassment.