Swayam Bharatvaj Sent to Judicial Custody After Video Conference Hearing

Delhi police detained social media influencer Swayam Bharatvaj on Friday after he allegedly assaulted a minor’s father at a protest in Jantar Mantar. On Sunday, a Delhi court heard his case remotely via video conference and ordered a one‑day judicial custody. According to his lawyers, two FIRs have been lodged: an initial assault complaint followed by additional charges under the SC/ST Act and a POCSO case—an act meant for child sexual offences, which they claim is being misapplied. The defence team accused police of bypassing regular legal channels and warned that anti‑national inmates might target Bharatvaj inside the jail. They appealed to Delhi’s Chief Minister Rekha Gupta for heightened protection. The incident, captured in a viral video, showed Bharatvaj using a metal chain to strike the father of a minor, causing serious injuries. Protestors demanded swift legal action, while central minister Chirag Paswan said the video falsely linked his name and that an official complaint has been filed.