Breaking his silence, Delhi Chief Minister and AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal has called for a fair and thorough investigation into the assault case involving former Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chief and AAP MP Swati Maliwal.
He emphasised the need for justice, pointing out that the incident has two conflicting versions. Kejriwal said, “I want a fair investigation and justice in the Swati Maliwal assault case, as the incident has two versions.” He stressed the importance of uncovering the truth to ensure that justice is served.
In his first response to the alleged assault on AAP MP, however Kejriwal was non-committal on the incident. Swati Maliwal has accused Kejriwal’s assistant, Bibhav Kumar, of assaulting her when she visited the Chief Minister’s official residence on May 13. Kumar has been arrested, and the police have registered a case against him.
In an interview, Kejriwal stated that the matter is “sub-judice” and refrained from commenting further to avoid influencing the proceedings. When asked if he was present at his residence during the incident, Kejriwal confirmed he was there but not at the scene of the alleged assault.
Earlier on Wednesday, Swati Maliwal alleged that there is significant pressure within the party to discredit her. She claimed that a senior party leader informed her of a campaign to defame her, including leaking personal photos and pressuring party members to speak against her. Maliwal warned that those supporting her might face expulsion from the party.
Bibhav Kumar is currently in five-day police custody. On Tuesday, he was taken to Mumbai to recover data from his phone, which police suspect he formatted before his arrest. Investigators believe he transferred the data to another person or device in Mumbai. Kumar’s phone, laptop, and CCTV footage from Kejriwal’s residence have been sent for forensic examination.
