Chirag Paswan files complaint over Swatantra Bharadwaj viral video row
Synopsis
Union Minister Chirag Paswan has filed a formal complaint against influencer Swatantra Bharadwaj, who allegedly boasted in a viral podcast of assaulting a student protester's father at Jantar Mantar and claimed political connections shielded him. Paswan's public distancing — and the Delhi Police's 72-hour arrest deadline — puts the spotlight on how political names are weaponised by fringe actors to claim impunity.
Key Takeaways
Chirag Paswan filed an official complaint against influencer Swatantra Bharadwaj on 4 September for allegedly misusing his name.
Bharadwaj purportedly claimed in a podcast to have assaulted the father of student protester Nishu Azad at Jantar Mantar and said political connections helped him evade arrest.
Delhi Police assured an arrest within 72 hours under POCSO , the SC/ST Act , and attempt to murder provisions.
Paswan denied any personal acquaintance with Bharadwaj and pledged solidarity with Nishu Azad and her family.
LJP-RV stated it will take responsibility for ensuring justice and strict punishment for the accused.
Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party-Ram Vilas (LJP-RV) Chief Chirag Paswan on Friday, 4 September stated that his name had been 'misused' by right-wing influencer Swatantra Bharadwaj in a widely circulated video, and confirmed he has filed an official complaint against him. The controversy centres on a purported podcast in which Bharadwaj allegedly claimed to have assaulted the father of student protester Nishu Azad during a demonstration at Jantar Mantar, and boasted of evading police action due to 'political connections'.
What Chirag Paswan Said
Speaking to reporters in Patna, Paswan called the incident 'extremely serious' and distanced himself from any association with the accused. 'A person is openly admitting that he has beaten someone so severely that it could possibly have led to his death. To openly admit this on a podcast and even after that, if no action is taken against him, then I believe this will set a very wrong example before the country and the people,' Paswan said.
He further clarified: 'Understanding the seriousness of this matter, and because that person has misused my name along with the names of several politicians, I have filed an official complaint against him. At the same time, I have urged the Delhi Police that there should be a fair investigation into this matter.'
Denial of Personal Association
Paswan was emphatic that meeting members of the public is routine in political life, but does not imply personal acquaintance. 'This definitely does not mean that the concerned person personally knows the politician,' he said, adding: 'It is wrong to say that he personally knows me and it is wrong to misuse my name.'
He affirmed that he and the LJP-RV stand in solidarity with the minor Nishu Azad and her family, and pledged to ensure that 'strict punishment' is delivered to the accused.
Delhi Police Action and Political Pressure
The Delhi Police had earlier assured that Bharadwaj would be arrested within 72 hours, after activists from the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) staged an agitation outside the Parliament Street Police Station in New Delhi. Sections invoked reportedly include the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, the SC/ST Act, and attempt to murder.
The case has drawn attention to a broader concern about influencers leveraging — or falsely claiming — political proximity to evade accountability. Paswan's public distancing and complaint filing signal an attempt to pre-empt any association with the accused.
What Happens Next
Paswan stated that his party takes responsibility for ensuring justice: 'We will ensure that the truth comes out and also ensure strict punishment for the accused who was openly mocking the legal system.' The 72-hour arrest deadline set by the Delhi Police will be closely watched, as will any further political fallout from names allegedly cited in Bharadwaj's video.
Point of View
And politicians scrambling to publicly disown them only after the video goes viral. Paswan's complaint is a defensive move as much as a moral one; the real test is whether the Delhi Police's 72-hour deadline holds or quietly expires. The invocation of POCSO alongside attempt to murder suggests the alleged victim is a minor, raising the stakes considerably. What mainstream coverage is underplaying is the systemic question: how many similar claims of political protection go viral but never reach a complaint counter?
NationPress
4 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Chirag Paswan file a complaint against Swatantra Bharadwaj?
Chirag Paswan filed the complaint because Swatantra Bharadwaj allegedly misused his name in a viral video, claiming political connections — including to Paswan — helped him avoid arrest after he allegedly assaulted the father of student protester Nishu Azad at Jantar Mantar. Paswan denied any personal association with Bharadwaj.
What did Swatantra Bharadwaj allegedly claim in the viral video?
Bharadwaj allegedly stated in a podcast that he had beaten Nishu Azad's father so severely that it could have led to his death, and boasted that he was released by the Delhi Police because of his political connections. The video subsequently went viral and triggered political and public backlash.
What charges is Swatantra Bharadwaj facing?
The Delhi Police indicated that Bharadwaj faces charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, the SC/ST Act, and attempt to murder. Police reportedly committed to arresting him within 72 hours following protests outside the Parliament Street Police Station.
Who is Nishu Azad and what was she protesting about?
Nishu Azad is identified as a student protester who participated in a demonstration at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. Her father was allegedly assaulted during or around the protest, according to the claims made in Bharadwaj's purported video.
What action has the LJP-RV committed to in this case?
Chirag Paswan and the LJP-RV have pledged to stand in solidarity with Nishu Azad and her family, and have taken responsibility for ensuring justice and strict punishment for the accused. Paswan also urged the Delhi Police to conduct a fair and thorough investigation.
