New Delhi: The controversy surrounding Swati Maliwal’s accusations against Arvind Kejriwal’s aide, Bibhav Kumar, intensified on Friday afternoon when police escorted the AAP MP to the Delhi Chief Minister’s residence in Civil Lines. This move aimed to re-create the crime scene, according to sources.
A Delhi Police team, accompanied by five forensic scientists and led by Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) Anjitha Chepyala, had earlier visited the residence. The forensic team collected CCTV footage from the living room, where Ms. Maliwal alleged she was slapped seven times and kicked in the chest. Police also recorded witness statements and interviewed Arvind Kejriwal’s security staff.
A police case was filed against Mr Kumar based on Ms Maliwal’s statement, with charges including assault and criminal intimidation. Despite a summons from the National Commission for Women, Mr Kumar did not appear, leading to a second notice being issued.
In her first public comment on the incident, Ms. Maliwal wrote on X, “The last few days have been very difficult…” She criticized those suggesting her claims were politically motivated, a likely reference to the BJP, which has accused the AAP of being “anti-women” amid the Delhi election campaign.
A video from the incident, lasting 52 seconds, shows Ms Maliwal arguing with security staff at Mr. Kejriwal’s home. The guards are heard asking her to leave, to which she responds by warning them that she has called the police and challenging them to eject her.
Ms. Maliwal accused Mr. Kejriwal of orchestrating a smear campaign, describing him as a “political hitman” who directed his people to leak the video. The AAP countered by sharing the video with the caption, “The truth of Swati Maliwal.”
This incident occurred while Ms. Maliwal was allegedly waiting to meet Mr. Kejriwal. The police confirmed two emergency calls were made from Mr. Kejriwal’s home using a number registered to Ms. Maliwal. She went incommunicado after the incident, with the AAP only issuing a statement 24 hours later, acknowledging a “distressing incident” and expressing support for Ms. Maliwal.
The BJP has seized upon this controversy to attack the AAP and Mr. Kejriwal just days before the Delhi Lok Sabha election. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman criticized Mr. Kejriwal for continuing to associate with Mr. Kumar.
Additionally, the Enforcement Directorate has named the AAP as an accused in the alleged Delhi liquor policy scam, marking the first time a political party has been accused in such a case. This could lead to the AAP being de-recognized, a significant blow during an election. The AAP and Mr. Kejriwal deny all charges, accusing the BJP of a “political vendetta.”
The Supreme Court recently granted Mr. Kejriwal interim bail in this matter, allowing him to campaign during the election, noting that he is not considered a flight risk or habitual offender.
Written by Ikshwakuvanshi Ajay Kaushal
