Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal has spoken out against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, indirectly accusing him of hypocrisy amidst allegations of assault. Maliwal had recently filed a complaint against an aide of the Chief Minister, Bibhav Kumar, alleging that he had assaulted her at Kejriwal’s residence.
In a statement, Maliwal criticized Kejriwal for calling for a “free and fair investigation” into the matter, considering his previous actions. She highlighted how she had been subjected to character assassination and labeled a “BJP agent” by individuals associated with Kejriwal, despite the assault allegations.
After unleashing the entire army of leaders and volunteers at me, calling me a BJP agent, assassinating my character, leaking edited videos, victim shaming me, roaming around with the accused, letting him re enter the crime scene and tamper evidences and protesting in favour of… https://t.co/ybNwRqGq1K
— Swati Maliwal (@SwatiJaiHind) May 22, 2024
Maliwal also claimed to have received pressure from within the party to tarnish her image further. She alleged that senior party members were pushing for the release of her personal photos and spreading negative narratives about her. In addition, she accused the party of pressuring members to speak against her, threatening expulsion for those who support her.
कल पार्टी के एक बड़े नेता का फोन आया। उसने बताया कैसे सब पर बहुत ज़्यादा दबाव है, स्वाति के ख़िलाफ़ गंदी बातें बोलनी हैं, उसकी पर्सनल फ़ोटोज़ लीक करके उसे तोड़ना है। ये बोला जा रहा है कि जो उसको सपोर्ट करेगा उसको पार्टी से निकाल देंगे। किसी को PC करने की और किसी को ट्वीट्स करने…
— Swati Maliwal (@SwatiJaiHind) May 22, 2024
The former Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chief expressed disappointment in unnamed party members, implicitly referring to AAP leader Atishi, for allegedly participating in character defamation. Despite facing opposition, Maliwal asserted her determination to continue fighting for justice and her self-respect.
Following Maliwal’s complaint, Delhi Police formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the allegations against Bibhav Kumar. Kumar was subsequently arrested by the police and remains in custody until May 23. He has also filed a counter-complaint against Maliwal, alleging forced and illegal entry into the Chief Minister’s residence.
In recent developments, Delhi Police brought Bibhav Kumar back to the capital from Mumbai, where they conducted investigations into his alleged phone formatting. Statements from various individuals have been recorded as part of the ongoing investigation.
The assault allegations have emerged amidst the backdrop of upcoming polling in Delhi, scheduled for May 25. Seven Lok Sabha seats are up for grabs, with AAP and Congress contesting for representation. The timing of the controversy adds a political dimension to the already contentious situation.
As the case continues to unfold, both Maliwal and Kumar await further legal proceedings, while the political implications of the allegations cast a shadow over the upcoming elections in Delhi.
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