Swatantra Bhardwaj Detained: Fresh FIR Filed Against Social Media Influencer Under POCSO Act
Delhi Police's Crime Branch apprehended social media influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj from UP's Bulandshahr after he evaded arrest for weeks over physically assaulting a minor activist's father at Jantar Mantar. Following his arrest, a fresh FIR was registered against him under the POCSO Act, alongside stringent sections added under the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act.
Social media influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj was apprehended by Delhi Police's Crime Branch from Bulandshahr district in Uttar Pradesh on Friday after evading arrest for several weeks. Bhardwaj, who is accused of physically assaulting the father of a minor student activist during a protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, now faces heightened legal trouble following the registration of a fresh FIR under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Authorities have also added stringent sections of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (SC/ST) Prevention of Atrocities Act to the existing case.
The Incident and Escalating Charges
The allegations stem from a July protest organized by the Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. Bhardwaj allegedly assaulted the father of a minor activist during the event and subsequently boasted online about "cracking the skull" of the victim, claiming his political affiliations would protect him from legal repercussions. Following the assault, the minor activist reported facing systemic harassment, online abuse, and direct rape threats, which forced her to stay away from school for weeks. The case escalated after CJP co-conveners and political supporters assembled at the Parliament Street police station in Delhi, demanding stricter charges against the accused. Chirag Paswan Files Complaint Against Swatantra Bharadwaj Over ‘Misuse’ of His Name (Video).
Evasion Tactics and Detention in Bulandshahr
In an attempt to escape law enforcement in the national capital, Bhardwaj fled to Uttar Pradesh early Friday morning. He sought shelter at the residence of Harishankar Sharma, a cab driver from Naithla village in Bulandshahr whom he had met during a previous trip. Sharma stated that Bhardwaj arrived unexpectedly with an associate. Suspicions arose when local journalists began gathering at the village, prompting Bhardwaj to request a motorcycle to leave the premises. Shortly after 2:00 PM, a plainclothes Crime Branch team from Delhi traced Bhardwaj to nearby Dhameda Nara village and taken into custody.
Coordination Issues Between State Police Forces
The operation highlighted minor jurisdictional friction between the regional authorities. Sikandrabad Circle Officer Deepak Kumar noted that local police were initially alerted to Bhardwaj's presence in the area through local media groups rather than official channels. A local team sent to intercept Bhardwaj found he had already vacated his initial hiding spot. Local officials confirmed that the visiting Delhi Police officers had executed the apprehension without formally registering their arrival at the local police station beforehand. Swatantra Bharadwaj Detained in Bulandshahr Over Alleged Assault on CJP’s Nishu Azad’s Father.
Background of the Accused
Originally hailing from Bihar, Bhardwaj completed his schooling in Patna before moving to Delhi to pursue higher studies and prepare for competitive civil service examinations. On social media platforms, where he operates under the persona of a "Sanatani Yoddha," he has accumulated a significant following by regularly sharing provocative commentary and contentious videos. Following the arrest, authorities indicated that legal proceedings will proceed under the updated charges in Delhi.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 05, 2026 08:21 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
