Delhi police delays questioning in Swati Maliwal assault case

| Updated: 23 May, 2024 2:38 pm IST

NEW DELHI :The Delhi Police will not visit Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s residence today to question his parents about the alleged assault on AAP MP Swati Maliwal, according to police sources. This decision comes amid a significant political controversy that erupted after Maliwal accused Bibhav Kumar, Kejriwal’s personal assistant, of assaulting her at the CM’s residence. Kumar was arrested on May 18 and is currently in police custody.

Maliwal claimed that Kumar slapped and kicked her multiple times when she visited Kejriwal’s residence on May 13. Despite making two PCR calls on the incident, she has not yet filed a formal complaint with the police. Following her allegations, Kumar was booked under several sections of the Indian Penal Code, including those for assault and criminal intimidation.

ALSO READ:Bibhav Kumar arrested in Swati Maliwal assault case

Initially, it was reported that the police would question Kejriwal’s parents and wife Sunita at the CM’s residence today. However, Kejriwal tweeted that the police had not provided any information on whether they would come. “I am waiting for the police with my parents and wife. Yesterday, the police called my parents and asked for time for questioning. But they have not given any information yet about whether they will come or not,” Kejriwal posted.

Sources indicated that the questioning might be deferred to a later date. Meanwhile, senior AAP leaders, including Sanjay Singh and Atishi, gathered at Kejriwal’s house to show support for his parents.

Kejriwal, in his first public reaction to the incident, called for a fair investigation. “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,” he told PTI.

ALSO READ:Delhi Police record Swati Maliwal’s 164 CrPC statement

Maliwal responded sharply to Kejriwal’s remarks, accusing him of hypocrisy. “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, the Chief Minister, in whose drawing room I was beaten up, has finally said that he wants free and fair investigation in the matter. Irony died a thousand deaths. I don’t buy this one bit,” she tweeted.

The Delhi Police investigation is ongoing, with efforts focused on recovering data from Kumar’s phone, laptop, and CCTV footage from Kejriwal’s residence. The case has drawn widespread public and political attention, highlighting the need for a thorough and impartial investigation to ensure justice is served.

Maliwal, a Rajya Sabha MP and former Delhi Commission for Women chief, 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.

The controversy has further escalated tensions between the AAP and the BJP. The BJP has extended its support to Maliwal, suggesting the assault row is linked to Kejriwal’s wish to send a senior lawyer to the Rajya Sabha.

As the investigation progresses, all eyes remain on the authorities to see how they handle the politically charged case and ensure a just resolution for all parties involved.

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