An assault that took place at Delhi's Jantar Mantar in June has suddenly turned into a national political controversy nearly two and a half months later. At the centre of the controversy is 21-year-old right-wing social media influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj. 

In a viral podcast, Bhardwaj claimed that he had "cracked open" the head of the father of a student at Jantar Mantar. He also claimed that the victim had received 60 stitches on his head and that the incident warranted a charge of attempted murder under Section 307, but that he did not go to jail because of his political connections.

Bhardwaj claimed political support from figures including Delhi minister Kapil Mishra and Union Minister Chirag Paswan.

Speaking to NDTV on Friday, Bhardwaj said he is a social media influencer and that his remarks in the podcast were made in jest. He, however, added that if the need arose, he would attack people again.

Bhardwaj's claims raised questions over the role of the Delhi Police and the action taken in the June 23 incident.

The Delhi Police has dismissed his claims about the severity of the victim's injuries, including the claim that the man suffered a fractured skull, citing medical records.

According to the Delhi Police, the victim did sustain a head injury from a kada, or metal bangle. However, his medical examination at RML Hospital classified the injury as "simple", or minor. The police said the medical records do not substantiate the claim of a skull fracture.

Source: ndtv