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Right-Wing Influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj Sent to Judicial Custody in Delhi

Politics15 sourcesSep 6, 2026
FlatRigor 4915 sources

The Story

A Delhi court on Sunday sent right-wing influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj to one-day judicial custody in connection with an assault case registered under the SC/ST Act. Bhardwaj was produced before Duty Magistrate Anjali Singh of the Patiala House Court through video conference. He was previously remanded to one-day police custody by a Delhi court on Saturday after his arrest. Delhi Police arrested Bhardwaj for allegedly severely injuring a 38-year-old man, accompanied by his 14-year-old daughter, during a Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest at Jantar Mantar in June. A separate case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act has also been registered. Bhardwaj's advocate, Piyush Jain, claimed the 21-year-old faces attack in jail by anti-national elements and asserted all allegations are completely fabricated. Bhardwaj was detained in Bulandshahr on Friday after a CJP protest demanding his arrest. This followed an interview where Bhardwaj claimed he cracked the skull of the student activist's father during the June 23 protest, stating, "He needed 60 stitches." Delhi Police had earlier described Kumar's injuries as simple, caused by a steel bracelet. The minor girl shared videos on X, claiming unidentified people surrounded her house after the arrest.

The Spread

What they agree on

  • Right-wing "influencer" Swatantra Bhardwaj has been arrested and sent to judicial custody in Delhi.
  • Bhardwaj is accused of assaulting a 38-year-old man, the father of a teenage student activist, during a protest in June.
  • Charges against Bhardwaj include provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
  • Bhardwaj's arrest followed an interview where he claimed to have "cracked the skull" of the victim.
  • Bhardwaj's lawyer claims he faces a risk of attack in jail and that the allegations are fabricated.

Where they split

  • Hindustan Times and News18 provide detailed updates on Bhardwaj's custody status and the legal proceedings.
  • The Federal includes a quote framing Swatantra Bhardwaj as "the hammer, the hand wielding it is RSS-BJP," suggesting political backing.
  • The Times of India focuses on the minor's counsel questioning the police's intent regarding Bhardwaj's custody.
  • The Telegraph India provides background on Swatantra Bhardwaj's "online world of hate" and connections with politicians.

Source Perspectives

Center14 sources
Right1 source