Swatantra Bhardwaj booked for assault on Nishu’s father

Swatantra Bhardwaj has been booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act after he allegedly cracked the skull of Nishu’s father, Sanjay Azad, who required 60 stitches. The incident occurred during a protest at Jantar Mantar, and Bhardwaj was detained in Bulandshahr, police said.

The assault on Sanjay Azad involved lacerated wounds over the right frontal and left parietal regions of his skull, with the nature of the injury still under observation. Swatantra Bhardwaj reportedly admitted to the attack, which police described as potentially fatal. The police have added charges of attempt to murder and under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act in connection with the case.

The complainant’s family expressed concern over the delay in police response but noted that authorities have now begun taking action. The complainant said, "No action despite the accused admitting to an attack that could have been fatal sets a bad example; I take responsibility for ensuring justice for the family."

Swatantra Bhardwaj has also been accused of making rape threats to a minor, leading to the POCSO case. The Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) filed a complaint alleging that Bhardwaj falsely invoked the name of Paswan. Bhardwaj reportedly called the police to ensure he was not arrested immediately after the incident.

Authorities have assured that Bhardwaj’s arrest will take place within 72 hours. The complainant and supporters of the protest at Jantar Mantar continue to demand swift justice. The police are conducting an impartial investigation into the matter, as urged by the complainant.

Swatantra Bhardwaj claimed in a podcast that he "cracked the skull of Nishu’s father," referring to Sanjay Azad. The incident has sparked widespread attention due to the gravity of the assault and the involvement of a minor in related allegations.