Delhi Police bowed to public pressure on Friday, September 4, 2026, adding severe criminal charges to an FIR linked to a violent assault during protests at Jantar Mantar. The decision came after hours of tense negotiations with representatives from the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and student activists, who demanded justice for Sanjay Kumar, father of Nishu Aazad.

Key facts

  • FIR amended to include attempt to murder, grievous hurt with dangerous weapons, and SC/ST Act provisions
  • Police assured arrest of accused Swatantra Bhardwaj within 72 hours
  • Protest held at Parliament Street police station with heavy deployment

Protest and Negotiations

CJP spokesperson Saurav Das, co-convenor Ashutosh Ranka, and Nishu Aazad led the representation inside the station while supporters staged a sit-in outside. Their demands intensified after a video surfaced online featuring Swatantra Bhardwaj, who allegedly boasted about political connections keeping him out of jail.

“Sanjayji’s skull was cracked open. The wound dimensions were of such great size that it obviously warranted an attempt-to-murder charge,” said Das, describing the injury.

Conflicting Accounts

While CJP representatives emphasized the severity of the injury, police offered a contrasting version. New Delhi DCP Sachin Sharma stated that Sanjay sustained a head injury from a metal bracelet (kada) during a scuffle, and medical examination at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital deemed the injuries “simple in nature.” The police denied allegations of political interference.

Emotional Toll

Nishu Aazad revealed the deep personal impact of the incident and subsequent online abuse. “People have been sending me rape threats, abusing me, making and sharing very disgusting stickers of me,” she shared. The harassment forced her to miss school for weeks, leaving her ashamed to leave her house.

MPs Chandrashekhar Azad and Pappu Yadav joined the talks, underscoring the political attention the case has drawn. The altercation stems from prolonged CJP protests over exam irregularities and a July march toward Parliament.