In a dramatic turn of events, BJP leaders in Delhi have rallied behind AAP Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal, demanding immediate action following her alleged assault by Bibhav Kumar, a close aide of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The Delhi Police have registered an FIR against Kumar, intensifying the controversy.
Shazia Ilmi, a prominent BJP leader in Delhi, revealed her own experiences of misconduct by Kumar, further fueling the controversy. “They are defending this for political gain. Swati Maliwal has been beaten. Bibhav Kumar’s job profile is to obey Arvind Kejriwal. I have also tolerated the misbehavior of that person,” Ilmi stated. She also called for Kejriwal’s resignation, insisting that he apologize and face criminal action.
Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva questioned Kejriwal’s silence on the matter, emphasizing the gravity of the allegations. “When such an incident happened with Swati Maliwal at your residence and you were present in the house, why did you allow a woman to be tortured?” Sachdeva asked. “You should immediately hand over Bibhav to the police. The entire country stands with Swati Maliwal and every woman with whom such an incident happens,” he added.
BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa criticized Kejriwal for his inaction, highlighting the CM’s previous stance on women’s rights. “Swati Maliwal complained about the misbehavior done to her, but Arvind Kejriwal has still not taken any action against Bibhav Kumar,” Sirsa remarked.
The Civil Lines Police registered the case under multiple IPC sections, including assault or criminal force on a woman with intent to outrage her modesty, criminal intimidation, word gesture or acts intended to insult, and assault. The FIR, filed based on Maliwal’s formal complaint, alleges she was “slapped, hit on the stomach, and kicked” by Kumar.
Following the incident, Maliwal was taken to AIIMS Delhi for a medical check-up. Special Cell and Crime Branch teams have been deployed to apprehend the accused, with efforts underway to trace his location.
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