Swatantra Bharadwaj Viral Video: Activist Claims Jantar Mantar Clash Was Self-Defence
Activist Swatantra Bharadwaj defended his actions during a Jantar Mantar protest clash as self-defence, dismissing viral podcast clips as fake or sarcastic. He noted police reports confirmed minor injuries to CJP activist Nishu Azad's father and denied claims of political interference in his release.
Activist and social media influencer Swatantra Bharadwaj has addressed a controversy sparked by his remarks on a recent podcast, asserting that an alleged altercation involving the father of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) activist Nishu Azad at Jantar Mantar was strictly an act of self-defence.
Context of the Altercation
The controversy erupted after a clip from a podcast circulated widely on social media platforms, drawing sharp criticism from opposition figures, including Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi. In the viral footage, Bharadwaj appeared to discuss a confrontation during a CJP demonstration at Jantar Mantar, leading to allegations of a severe assault and subsequent questions regarding law enforcement actions and political protection. Swatantra Bharadwaj Viral Interview Video: Opposition Takes Pot Shot; Delhi Police Say Action Taken.
Swatantra Bharadwaj Claims Jantar Mantar Clash Was Self-Defence
Addressing the claims, Bharadwaj maintained that his actions were necessary to prevent severe harm during a volatile situation. "What people are calling an attack was an act of self-defence. If I had not acted in self-defence, I could have been lynched by the mob or killed. There was no attempt to attack him. I have proofs in the form of video. I was gheroed by 10-15 people. When I acted in self-defence, he was hit on the head," Bharadwaj told ANI.
CJP Demands Action From Delhi Police
Injury Reports and Ongoing Investigation
Disputing claims regarding the severity of the injuries sustained by Nishu Azad's father, Sanjay Kumar, Bharadwaj pointed to official law enforcement documentation. "As per his medical report from Delhi Police, he did not suffer major injuries. I am cooperating with the ongoing investigation," he noted. Earlier, the Delhi Police also clarified via social media that the victim sustained simple head injuries from a kada during a scuffle, directly rejecting widespread social media claims regarding a fractured skull or life-threatening trauma. Rahul Gandhi Backs Nishu Azad Over Father’s Alleged Attack, Questions Delhi Police Action (Video).
Response to Political Claims
Bharadwaj dismissed allegations that his release following the incident was secured through political interference, specifically addressing comments linking him to political figures. "The podcast clip that is being shared on social media by Rahul Gandhi and others is fake. Those saying that I was released because of influence from Kapil Mishra, I want to tell them that Kapil Mishra and Chirag Paswan are like my brothers. People should understand what was said in sarcasm," he added. Investigations into the incident remain active as authorities review video evidence and medical records from the demonstration.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 04, 2026 11:15 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).