Union Minister Chirag Paswan has filed a formal complaint against Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj, alleging that his name was "falsely and publicly" used in connection with the assault on the father of a student activist during a CJP protest in July.
Paswan’s Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) said neither the minister nor the party has any association with Bhardwaj. The party also said it stood with the student activist and her father, who was injured in the incident.
Paswan on Friday said Bhardwaj had misused the names of several political leaders and called for action against him.
"In public life, many people come to meet us and take pictures. But if on that basis they claim to be personal acquaintances, then that is a misuse of our name. The attacker has sought to give the impression that action has not been taken against him because of me and my party. I have lodged a formal complaint against this misuse of my name," said Paswan
Paswan seeks action against Bhardwaj
The Union minister said the allegations surrounding the assault were serious and sought strict action against Bhardwaj.
"The individual is openly admitting to having beaten someone so severely that it could potentially have resulted in their death. If no action is taken, then I believe it will set a very wrong precedent for the country and the public," Paswan told mediapersons.
Confirming that his party had approached the authorities, Paswan urged Delhi Police to investigate the matter.
"Given the gravity of the matter and since that individual has misused my name, along with the names of several other politicians, I have lodged a formal complaint against him and have also urged the Delhi Police to conduct an impartial investigation."
Bhardwaj detained by Delhi Police
Bhardwaj had appeared in a video interview claiming that he had "cracked the skull" of the activist's father during the July protest at Jantar Mantar. He claimed the man suffered an injury requiring 60 stitches but alleged that he still avoided jail.
Photographs of Bhardwaj with political figures, including Paswan, Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary and Delhi minister Kapil Mishra, have also surfaced.
"I have the blessings of Hanuman upon me. And secondly, Kapil Mishra is my elder brother. They say Kapil Mishra called and I was released. Chirag Paswan is my elder brother...I have everyone's support," he claimed in the podcast.
Delhi Police detained Bhardwaj in Uttar Pradesh on Friday, hours after the Cockroach Janta Party protested outside the Parliament Street police station demanding his arrest.
Support for victim’s family
Paswan also assured the student activist and her father of his support.
"We are with the victim's family. Ensuring justice for them is my and my party's responsibility. We will ensure that the truth comes to light and that appropriate action is taken as soon as possible against the person who is openly making a mockery of the law," Paswan added.
The detention followed a meeting between CJP representatives, Chandrashekhar Azad and Pappu Yadav and police officials, who had assured them that action would be taken against Bhardwaj within 72 hours.