Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal addressed the assault allegations of Maliwal against his personal assistant Bibhav Kumar involving Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal, urging a fair investigation into the incident. Kejriwal stated that there were two conflicting accounts of the event and emphasized the importance of a just inquiry by the police. “I expect there will be a fair investigation. Justice should be served. There are two versions of the event. Police should investigate both versions fairly, and justice should be done,” Kejriwal said in an exclusive interview with PTI. He refrained from further commenting, citing the matter’s sub judice status and potential influence on ongoing proceedings.
What’s the Maliwal Controversy?
The controversy began when Maliwal alleged that she was “assaulted” by Kumar during a visit to meet Kejriwal on May 13. The police responded by arresting Kumar, who is now in five-day custody. Maliwal’s FIR details claims of being slapped “at least seven to eight times” and being “brutally dragged” while being kicked in her “chest, stomach, and pelvis area.”
The FIR states, “I went inside the camp office and called CM’s PS Bibhav Kumar but could not go in. I then sent a message to his mobile number (through WhatsApp). However, there was no response. I then went inside the residential area through the main door as I have always done in the past year. Since Bibhav Kumar was not present, I entered the residence area and told the staff present there to tell the CMI was there to meet him.”
Meanwhile, AAP leaders, including Delhi minister Atishi, accused Maliwal of lying and alleged that the BJP was using her as part of a conspiracy. Swati claimed that there was significant pressure within the party to malign Maliwal. In a post on X, Maliwal echoed these sentiments, alleging a campaign against her, including threats to leak personal photos and warnings that supporters would be expelled from the party.
Despite the controversy, Maliwal firmly stated she would not resign from her Rajya Sabha position. In an interview with ANI, she expressed willingness to resign if asked amicably but resisted resignation under pressure. “If they needed my Rajya Sabha seat, they would have asked for it, I would have given my life, the MP seat is such a small thing. If you see my whole career I never showed any desire for any position,” she told ANI. She highlighted her long-standing dedication to the party since 2006, emphasizing her commitment to continue serving despite the alleged assault.
The Delhi court has allowed a five-day custodial interrogation of Kumar, underscoring the necessity of police remand. The police have taken Kumar to Mumbai to recover data from his phone, which he allegedly formatted before his arrest. Authorities suspect that Kumar transferred his phone data to someone or a device in Mumbai.
As investigations proceed, the conflicting narratives and internal party disputes continue to draw public and media attention, with the outcome of the inquiry being crucial for both parties involved.
Excerpts taken from: News18
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