Custody in Jantar Mantar Case
The case relates to an alleged assault on Sanjay Kumar, the father of a teenage student activist, during a protest organised by the Cockroach Janta Party at Jantar Mantar.
Bhardwaj was detained in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, on September 4 following demands for his arrest over the alleged assault. He was subsequently brought to Delhi and produced before the court.
One-Day Police Custody Before Judicial Remand
Following his detention, a court granted Delhi Police one day of custodial interrogation on September 5. After the police custody ended, Bhardwaj was produced before the court again.
He was initially sent to one-day judicial custody on Sunday before the court extended the judicial remand by another 14 days on Monday. He appeared before the court through video conference from Tihar Jail.
Controversial Video Remarks
The case drew renewed attention after a video podcast in which Bhardwaj allegedly claimed that he had seriously injured the student activist’s father during the protest.
He later claimed that his actions were in self-defence. Delhi Police, however, had earlier said that the victim’s injuries were simple in nature.
SC/ST Act and Intimidation Provisions Added
Delhi Police subsequently added provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and criminal intimidation to the FIR related to the alleged assault.
Separately, police registered a POCSO case following a complaint by the teenage activist alleging online threats and harassment. The complaint reportedly included allegations of rape threats, verbal abuse and morphed images.
Legal Challenge in Delhi High Court
Bhardwaj’s lawyers have also approached the Delhi High Court challenging aspects of his arrest and custody. His counsel argued that the Supreme Court had quashed FIRs connected with the Jantar Mantar protests.
Police disputed that argument, saying the FIR in the present case had not been quashed by the Supreme Court. The High Court has sought clarity from the Delhi Police on the status of the FIR.
Custody Till September 21
Under the latest order, Bhardwaj will remain in judicial custody until September 21. Further developments will depend on the ongoing investigation and subsequent court proceedings.
Conclusion
The Delhi court’s decision to send Swatantra Bhardwaj to 14 days of judicial custody marks a significant development in the Jantar Mantar assault case. Additional provisions under the SC/ST Act and criminal intimidation laws have been added, while a separate POCSO case concerns alleged online threats against the student activist. The allegations remain subject to investigation and judicial proceedings.
