In his initial response to the reported assault on Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Swati Maliwal, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday emphasized the need for a fair investigation and justice. Speaking to news agency PTI, Kejriwal acknowledged that the matter is currently sub-judice and refrained from making detailed comments that might influence the proceedings.
“I expect there will be a fair investigation. Justice should be served. There are two versions of the event. Police should investigate both versions fairly and justice should be done,” Kejriwal remarked.
However, Maliwal, who took to social media to express her discontent, dismissed Kejriwal’s statement. She accused him and his associates of undermining her credibility and character.
“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 with evidence, and protesting in favor of the accused, the Chief Minister, in whose drawing room I was beaten up, has finally said that he wants a free and fair investigation in the matter. Irony died a thousand deaths. I don’t buy this one bit,” Maliwal posted on X.
Maliwal had alleged that she was assaulted by Kejriwal’s personal assistant, Bibhav Kumar, during a meeting with the Chief Minister on May 13. The police have since registered a case and arrested Kumar, who is currently under five-day police custody.
In a further statement, Maliwal claimed there is significant pressure within the party to defame her. She alleged that a senior party leader informed her of concerted efforts to malign her reputation, including the leaking of personal photos and threats of expulsion for her supporters.
“Yesterday, I got a call from a senior leader of the party. He told me how there is a lot of pressure on everyone; they have to speak dirty things against Swati, they have to break her by leaking her personal photos. It is being said that whoever supports her will be expelled from the party. Someone has been given the duty of doing press conferences and someone else has been given the duty of tweeting,” Maliwal stated in another post.
Meanwhile, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge stressed that the law should take its course regarding the alleged assault. Refusing to delve into the controversy surrounding Kumar’s arrest, Kharge commented, “I do not want to get into this issue. The law must take its own course.”
Kharge added, “When the law is effective, people will have fear, and that is why the law must work. If Modi ji also follows the law and rules, people will not indulge in any wrong things.”
