Joyeeta Bej 
“Scandal at Kejriwal’s: Swati Maliwal Assault Allegations Rock Capital”
Swati Maliwal, a prominent Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP and former head of the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW), is at the center of a controversial assault case. The incident allegedly took place on May 13, 2024, at Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s residence, involving his personal aide, Bibhav Kumar.
According to the FIR filed by Maliwal, the altercation began when she visited Kejriwal’s residence. Maliwal alleges that without any provocation, Bibhav Kumar physically assaulted her by slapping her multiple times and kicking her in the stomach and pelvis despite her pleas to stop. She mentioned that she was on her periods and in significant pain, but the assault continued, leading to severe physical and emotional trauma. Following the incident, Maliwal managed to leave the premises and reported the assault to the police. Initially, she refrained from filing a written complaint due to the shock and trauma she experienced.
The incident has sparked a heated political debate. Initially, AAP appeared to take the allegations seriously, but later shifted its stance. Party spokespersons suggested the accusations were part of a conspiracy orchestrated by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to discredit AAP and its leaders. Atishi, a senior AAP leader, accused Maliwal of trying to disrupt the party by acting under BJP’s influence. This claim has been met with skepticism and criticism from various quarters, including BJP leaders, who have demanded accountability from AAP and justice for Maliwal.
The Delhi Police have been actively investigating the case, reconstructing the crime scene and recording detailed statements from Maliwal. AAP’s internal response has been mixed, with some leaders expressing support for Maliwal while others maintain that the allegations are politically motivated. Adding complexity to the case, Bibhav Kumar has filed a counter-complaint against Maliwal, accusing her of threatening behavior.
Maliwal has emphasized her commitment to fighting for justice, not only for herself but for all women facing violence and harassment. “Despite the trauma and character assassination attempts by my own party, I remain determined to see this case through to its resolution,” Maliwal stated in a recent interview.
Public and political reactions continue to evolve as more details emerge. The National Commission for Women (NCW) has summoned Bibhav Kumar for a hearing, highlighting the seriousness of the allegations. The Delhi Police’s ongoing investigation and Maliwal’s resolve to seek justice will play crucial roles in determining the outcome of this highly publicized case.
As the investigation progresses, the case continues to attract significant media attention, reflecting the broader issues of political accountability and the fight against gender-based violence.
