Swatantra influencer Bhardwaj detained after ‘boasting’ about ‘smashing skull’ of CJP protester’s father | Today’s news
Influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj, who bragged about assaulting a student’s father during a protest at Jantar Mantar, has been arrested in Uttar Pradesh, Delhi Police confirmed to news agency PTI. Bhardwaj has been on the run ever since the Delhi Police assured the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) that they would arrest him within 72 hours.
Bhardwaj is accused of assaulting Nisha Azad’s father, Sanjay Azad, during a CJP protest in July. After the alleged attack, Bhardwaj, who describes himself as a ‘Kattar Hindu (Hard Hindu)’, confessed on the podcast to ‘cracking the skull’ of Sanjay and boasted that he had escaped from prison.
What did Swatantra Bhardwaj say about the attack?
In the video, Bhardwaj is heard talking about his attack on Kumar.
“I cracked Nishu’s father’s skull. Do you know which section this crime attracts? Section 307. He needed 60 stitches. The man was taken away by ambulance in a serious condition. His daughter was standing outside the police station saying she would die by suicide if her father didn’t get justice. But I wasn’t even jailed,” said the world and should know about it via Bwaj video. I was outside.
The video quickly went viral and sparked protests by the CJP in the state capital demanding strict action against Bhardwaj.
Bhardwaj later claimed that he had acted in self-defence
As the clip became a political flashpoint and fueled public anger, the 21-year-old made a new claim in a recent podcast, claiming he acted in self-defense.
“Had I not acted in self-defense, the mob might have beaten me to death, or I might have lost my life.
He said he has video footage to prove he did not attempt to attack the protesters.
“I have video evidence to prove this. I was surrounded by 10-15 people. When I acted in self-defence, they suffered head injuries. According to the Delhi Police medical report, there were no serious injuries. I am cooperating with the ongoing investigation,” he said.
Who is Nishu Azad?
Nishu Azad is a student activist associated with the CJP who came into the limelight after her father was allegedly assaulted during a protest near Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.
Nishu’s father, Sanjay Azad, sustained head injuries during the clash at Jantar Mantar.
Nishu came into the limelight during the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar in June 2026. She gained attention after videos showed her distributing food as part of a symbolic protest.
Nishu later protested outside the Parliament Street police station along with political leaders like Chandra Shekhar Aazad and demanded strict legal action. She has reportedly faced severe online harassment, abuse and rape threats from supporters of the accused.
