When Influencers Become Thugs: The Blurred Lines of Power The viral video featuring self styled influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj boasting about cracking the skull of a protester's father at Jantar Mantar serves as a stark reminder that social media fame can be a potent shield for those who wield it in today's India.
Bhardwaj claims to have the backing of top politicians, which raises questions about our society: what does it say when a man who allegedly assaulted someone with a kada (bangle) has such alleged support?
The involvement of Delhi minister Kapil Mishra and Union minister Chirag Paswan in Bhardwaj's alleged protection is particularly noteworthy.