A viral podcast featuring activist Swatantra Bhardwaj has sparked a fresh controversy over the CJP protest in Delhi. Bhardwaj allegedly claimed that he had “cracked open the skull” of the father of a student protester during the agitation. He also appeared to suggest that political connections helped him avoid jail after the alleged incident. The remarks quickly went viral and triggered criticism from opposition leaders and protest organisers. Delhi Police said Bhardwaj had already been detained and questioned in connection with the case. Police also said the injured man suffered simple injuries during the confrontation.
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CJP: Bhardwaj Says He Acted in Self-Defence
The controversy concerns an alleged assault on Sanjay Kumar, the father of a student protester. According to the FIR, the incident took place on June 23 at Jantar Mantar. Kumar alleged that several men attacked him while he was recording the protest on his phone. Police later detained Bhardwaj and another accused, Suraj Kumar, while other individuals reportedly escaped. After facing criticism over his podcast remarks, Bhardwaj claimed that he acted only in self-defence. He said the crowd could have lynched or killed him if he had not protected himself. Bhardwaj also claimed that video footage supported his version of the incident.
The student protester later appealed to Rahul Gandhi for help after the podcast gained widespread attention. Gandhi criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah over the alleged incident. He questioned why Bhardwaj remained free despite his controversial remarks and alleged that political connections protected him. Gandhi also criticised the Delhi Police over its handling of the wider student agitation. He assured the student protester that she should not panic and said he stood with her. His remarks further intensified the political dispute surrounding the alleged assault and police investigation.
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Delhi Police Rejects Skull Fracture Claim
The CJP has demanded Bhardwaj’s immediate arrest and accused police of failing to take stronger action. CJP representatives protested outside the Parliament Street police station and sought justice for Kumar and his daughter. They claimed Kumar suffered a serious head injury and demanded an attempt-to-murder charge. Delhi Police rejected the allegation that Kumar suffered a fractured skull and described his injuries as simple. Police said Kumar sustained head wounds during a scuffle involving an iron bangle or kada. Authorities said they had detained and questioned Bhardwaj and Suraj Kumar after registering the case.
The FIR states that Kumar was recording the protest around 5:30 pm when an argument began. According to his complaint, a young man confronted him before two or three others joined the dispute. Kumar alleged that the group punched him several times and struck his head with a hard object. Police reached the spot and detained Bhardwaj and Suraj Kumar, while others reportedly fled. Kumar later underwent a medical examination at RML Hospital, where doctors recorded two lacerated wounds. Police registered the case under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The controversy has now renewed questions over the conduct of individuals and police during the CJP agitation.
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