Influencer claims political backing after alleged assault on protester's father, police deny serious injury

Influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj released a video in which he claimed that a phone call from Delhi minister Kapil Mishra secured his release after he allegedly struck Sanjay Kumar, the father of student activist Nishu Azad, during a Cockroach Janta Party demonstration at Jantar Mantar. In the recording he also said he enjoyed the backing of Union minister Chirag Paswan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Rahul Gandhi, leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, asked why Bhardwaj had not been jailed despite his admission.

Delhi police responded that Kumar’s injury was caused by a bangle, was medically assessed as simple, and denied any skull fracture, adding that a case has been filed and a chargesheet will be submitted. Opposition parties including Congress, AAP and TMC have condemned the incident and pledged support for Azad, while the CJP announced a protest at Parliament Street police station to demand justice. The controversy highlights accusations of political interference in law-enforcement actions.