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Governance
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Swati Maliwal's Allegations Spark Political Tensions Within AAP Amidst Legal Clash

By
Akhilesh Nair‍
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Progress
May 17, 2024
Maliwal recounts being slapped multiple times, dragged, and subjected to repeated kicks in her chest, stomach, and pelvis area.

Who Is Swati Maliwal ?

Swati Maliwal is a prominent Indian politician and activist, particularly focused on women's rights and gender issues. She represents the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha. Maliwal formerly chaired the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW), where she vigorously championed women's safety, addressing problems like sexual harassment, human trafficking, and domestic violence.

During her tenure at DCW, she launched numerous initiatives and helplines to aid women in need, and conducted audits of government institutions to enhance their facilities for women. Maliwal's leadership at DCW was distinguished by her proactive stance against gender-based crimes and her efforts to instigate systemic reforms to bolster women's safety and rights in Delhi.

What Did Swati Maliwal Allege At Delhi CM's Residence?

On May 13, 2024, AAP MP Swati Maliwal alleged that she was assaulted at the official residence of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The incident reportedly occurred in the morning when Maliwal visited the residence seeking a meeting with the Chief Minister. Upon being denied entry by his staff, she contacted the police to report the assault.

According to police sources, two emergency calls were made by Maliwal around 9:30 AM. In these calls, she claimed that Bibhav Kumar, an aide to the Chief Minister, had assaulted her. Following the calls, the police arrived at the scene and later took Maliwal to the Civil Lines police station for further questioning. At the police station, Maliwal indicated she would file a formal complaint but left after a brief visit without doing so.

Details about the FIR filed by Swati Maliwal

On May 13th, 2024, Maliwal filed an FIR claiming she visited the CM's residence seeking to meet with Mr. Kejriwal. However, upon entering, she alleges encountering Bibhav Kumar, the CM's Personal Secretary, who purportedly launched into a tirade of verbal abuse before physically assaulting her. Maliwal recounts being slapped multiple times, dragged, and subjected to repeated kicks in her chest, stomach, and pelvis area.

In the aftermath of the ordeal, Maliwal states she was threatened and coerced into leaving the premises by security personnel, despite her pleas for assistance. Despite the traumatic experience, Maliwal initially refrained from filing a written complaint due to extreme pain and distress.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, prompting calls for a thorough investigation and swift action against the perpetrators. Maliwal's courage in coming forward with her allegations serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for accountability and justice in cases of violence against women.

Charges Filed against Mr. Kumar

Mr. Bibhav Kumar faces charges under IPC sections related to assault, criminal intimidation, and outraging a woman's modesty. These allegations stem from a statement made by Swati Maliwal, a member of the Rajya Sabha from the Aam Aadmi Party and former chief of the Delhi Commission for Women.

AAP's Counter FIR Filed by Bibhav Kumar Against Swati Maliwal

On 17 May 2024, The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has taken a defensive stance by filing a counter FIR. Bibhav Kumar, the personal secretary to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, has lodged a formal complaint, presenting his side of the incident that allegedly occurred at the Chief Minister's residence.

Key Points in Bibhav Kumar's FIR

Unauthorized Entry: Kumar asserts that Maliwal entered the residential area of the CM’s house without prior appointment or permission, breaching security protocols .

 Aggressive Behavior: He alleges that Maliwal abused, pushed, and threatened the security personnel when asked to leave, and that her actions caused a disturbance.

No Physical Assault: Kumar denies all allegations of physical assault, stating that the encounter was strictly verbal and that he did not lay hands on Maliwal.

Security Footage: The FIR mentions the existence of security footage that purportedly supports Kumar’s version of events, showing Maliwal arguing with security personnel but not depicting any physical altercation.

Request for Investigation into Ms. Maliwal: Bibhav Kumar stated in the FIR that legal action should be taken against Ms. Maliwal and her call records, chats, and interactions with BJP leaders should be investigated, as these actions may have been influenced by the BJP during election time.

Written Complaint Source :

https://twitter.com/AamAadmiParty/status/1791495219541602571

AAP’s Stance : The AAP has backed Bibhav Kumar’s counter FIR, suggesting that Maliwal’s allegations are politically motivated. Party spokespersons have argued that Maliwal’s actions and subsequent claims are part of a smear campaign against Chief Minister Kejriwal and his close aides.

The conflicting accounts presented by Swati Maliwal's allegations and Bibhav Kumar's counter FIR emphasize the necessity for a fair and unbiased investigation to determine the facts and ensure justice. The Delhi police are expected to carry on with their investigation, and both the public and political analysts are keenly awaiting further developments. 

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