In a shocking development, Swati Maliwal, a Rajya Sabha member and chief of the former Delhi Commission for Women (DCW), has alleged assault by Bibhav Kumar, the personal assistant of CM Arvind Kejriwal. The incident reportedly took place on May 13, 2024, at the residence of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. 

Key Points: Swasti Maliwal Assaults in CM’s Residence

• The alleged assault took place on May 13. 
• Maliwal has lodged an FIR against Bibhav Kumar, alleging physical assault and harassment.
• She claimed that Kumar slapped her 7-8 times, dragged her, and kicked her in the chest.
• The National Commission for Women summoned Bibhav Kumar for a hearing. 
• The Delhi Police made an attempt to enter Bibhav Kumar’s residence, but they were denied entry.
• The BJP has questioned the silence of Arvind Kejriwal and the AAP on the matter. 
• Delhi Police constituted teams to arrest Bibhav Kumar.
• A video allegedly showing moments after the assault has emerged.
• Delhi Police is likely to visit Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s residence to record the statements of the policemen and staff present at the time of the alleged assault.

Allegations of Assault

Maliwal has accused Bibhav Kumar of physically assaulting her inside the premises. In her complaint, she alleged that Kumar slapped her seven to eight times and brutally dragged her while kicking her in the chest.

Police Action and Investigation

In response to Maliwal’s complaint, the Delhi Police filed an FIR against Bibhav Kumar under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including assault, criminal intimidation, and outraging a woman’s modesty. 

To take down her statement, P.S. Kushwaha, who is the Additional Commissioner of Police, paid a visit to Maliwal’s home. The Delhi Police is also investigating the origins of a video allegedly showing moments after the assault, in which Maliwal is seen engaged in a heated argument with the security staff.

NCW Summons and Notice

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has also taken cognizance of the matter, issuing a summon to Bibhav Kumar to appear for a hearing. When the officers attempted to serve the notice at his residence and were refused entry, they affixed the notice on the gate of his residence.

Accusations of Atishi on Swati Maliwal

AAP leader Atishi began the exchange with a sharp attack at a press conference, accusing Maliwal of colluding with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to discredit the AAP during the general election. Maliwal responded on X (formerly Twitter), directing her anger at her alleged assaulter, Bibhav Kumar, and slamming him as a “goon” who had pressured the party into attacking her.

Public Reaction and Political Ramifications

The case has drawn significant public attention and political interest when Atishi referred to a 52-second video of the confrontation between Maliwal and staffers at Kejriwal’s home, in which Maliwal is seen and heard arguing with the guards who repeatedly demanded she leave the premises. 

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Atishi claimed the video underlined the false nature of Maliwal’s allegations, stating, “In her complaint to the police, she said she was assaulted… (but) the video which shows her sitting comfortably and threatening officials… also seen threatening Bibhav Kumar.” The Delhi Police are investigating the origins of this video.

Leaked Video Amidst Cross-Complaints

Atishi commented after the AAP and Swati Maliwal argued again about a video that was shared online. Maliwal blamed a “political hitman” thought to be Bibhav Kumar for leaking the video to protect himself. The AAP reposted the video, labeling it “The truth of Swati Maliwal,” and denied that Maliwal was called to meet the Chief Minister. 

Atishi added that the Chief Minister, Kejriwal, was not at home at that time. Additionally, Atishi confirmed that Bibhav Kumar, who Maliwal accused of assault and intimidation, has filed a counter-complaint.

Political Implications

The incident has also sparked a political controversy. The BJP questioned the AAP chief’s silence over the issue, while Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav stated that people would never forgive the AAP for the alleged manhandling of Maliwal.

BJP is gleefully attacking the AAP and Kejriwal ahead of voting for Delhi’s seven Lok Sabha seats. Kejriwal, whose bail ends on June 2, has faced renewed calls to resign but has maintained radio silence on this topic, focusing instead on his party’s campaign for the Lok Sabha election.

Conclusion

The case is currently under investigation, and the developments in the case and the potential political ramifications are being closely watched. Considering recent developments, it’s important for people to think about the importance of fairness, openness, and responsibility. 

Moreover, this circumstance reminds us of the moral and spiritual teachings found in books such as “Gyan Ganga” and “Way of Living.” These books stress the significance of leading a life marked by honesty and commitment, providing insights that help us deal with intricate issues in our daily lives.

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