Viral Podcast Claim Over Attack on CJP Protester's Father Triggers Controversy, Delhi Police Disputes Injury Allegations

A controversy has erupted after a viral podcast featuring Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj appeared to show him claiming that he assaulted the father of CJP protester Nishu Azad during a confrontation at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. The remarks have sparked criticism on social media and prompted renewed demands for police action. Bhardwaj allegedly described the confrontation in the podcast and claimed that Sanjay Kumar was seriously injured during the incident. His remarks, which spread rapidly across social media, led CJP supporters to question the handling of the case and demand accountability from the Delhi Police.

Delhi Police has disputed the more serious injury claims. According to the police, Kumar sustained a head injury during a scuffle at the protest, but the medical examination conducted at RML Hospital classified the injury as simple. Police have also rejected claims that Kumar suffered a fractured or “cracked” skull. The incident reportedly took place on June 23 during a protest at Jantar Mantar. Police said a confrontation broke out between people at the demonstration and Kumar was injured during the altercation. According to the police account, his head came into contact with a metal kada worn by one of the people involved.

The viral podcast has nevertheless raised fresh questions because Bhardwaj appeared to provide a different description of what happened. He also allegedly made comments suggesting that political connections helped him avoid being jailed. These claims have not been independently verified. Bhardwaj later described the confrontation as an act of self-defence. In an interview, he said he feared being attacked by a crowd and maintained that the incident had been portrayed inaccurately online. He also disputed the authenticity or interpretation of the viral podcast material and said he was cooperating with the police investigation.

Delhi Police has separately rejected allegations of political interference in the case. Officials have said that claims suggesting that political influence was used to protect those involved are baseless. Police maintain that action was taken following the June 23 incident and that the investigation is continuing.

The controversy intensified after representatives of CJP visited the Parliament Street police station and sought further action against Bhardwaj. The organisation has questioned why stronger action was not taken earlier and has called for the allegations surrounding the confrontation to be properly investigated. The case has now produced sharply different versions of events. While the viral podcast has generated allegations of a deliberate and serious assault, Bhardwaj has characterised the incident as self-defence, while Delhi Police has challenged claims about the extent of Kumar’s injuries.

With the allegations continuing to circulate online, the police investigation, medical records and other available evidence are likely to be crucial in establishing what actually happened at Jantar Mantar. Until the matter is conclusively established through the investigation or court proceedings, the competing claims remain allegations.

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