Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal has claimed she is receiving rape and death threats following an alleged character assassination campaign by her own party members. Maliwal accused AAP leaders and volunteers of orchestrating a smear campaign against her and further alleged that YouTuber Dhruv Rathee exacerbated the situation by posting a one-sided video against her.
In a series of posts on her X handle, Maliwal shared screenshots of abusive messages and rape threats she received on social media. “After the leaders and volunteers of my party, AAP, orchestrated a campaign of character assassination, victim shaming, and fanning of emotions against me, I have been getting rape and death threats. This got further exacerbated when YouTuber @Dhruv_Rathee posted a one-sided video against me,” Maliwal stated.
The former Delhi Commission For Women (DCW) chief claimed that AAP leadership is attempting to intimidate her into withdrawing her complaint against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s aide, Bibhav Kumar. She expressed disappointment with Rathee, stating that despite her efforts to contact him to share her side of the story, he ignored her calls and messages. “It is shameful that people like him, who claim to be independent journalists, could act like other AAP spokespersons and victim shame me to the extent that I am now facing extreme abuses and threats,” she added.
Maliwal listed several points that Rathee allegedly failed to mention in his video:
1. The party took a U-turn on its stand after accepting that the incident happened.
2. Her medicolegal case (MLC) report reveals injuries due to the assault.
3. A selected part of the video was released, and the accused’s phone was formatted.
4. The accused was arrested at the crime scene (CM house). Why was he allowed to re-enter the premises?
5. Questioning how a woman who has consistently stood for the right issues could be alleged to be bought over by the BJP.
Maliwal announced that she is reporting these threats to the Delhi Police and demanded strong action against the perpetrators. “The manner in which the entire party machinery and its supporters have attempted to vilify and shame me speaks volumes about their stand on women’s issues. I am reporting these rape and death threats to @DelhiPolice. I hope they take strong action against the perpetrators,” Maliwal said.
Maliwal has accused Bibhav Kumar of physical assault, claiming he slapped her multiple times, kicked her in the chest, stomach, and pelvis area, and threatened to kill her during a visit to Kejriwal’s official residence. The AAP has denied the allegations, asserting that Maliwal is being “blackmailed” by the BJP.
Kumar was arrested by the Delhi Police on Saturday and charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including 354 (assault or use of criminal force on a woman with intent to disrobe), 506 (criminal intimidation), 509 (word, gesture, or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman), and 323 (voluntarily causing hurt). He remains in judicial custody until May 28.
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