Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal broke his silence on the controversial assault case involving AAP Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal and his former personal secretary Bibhav Kumar. Kejriwal emphasized the need for a fair investigation, highlighting that there are two versions of the incident.
In an exclusive interview with PTI, Kejriwal stated, “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 added that since the matter is “sub-judice,” any further comments might influence the proceedings.
Swati Maliwal alleged that she was assaulted by Bibhav Kumar on May 13 when she went to meet the Chief Minister at his official residence. According to her FIR, Kumar “slapped” her multiple times and “brutally dragged” her while “kicking” her in sensitive areas. Maliwal claimed, “I went inside the camp office and called CM’s PS Bibhav Kumar, but I could not go in. I then sent a message to his mobile number (through WhatsApp). However, there was no response. I then went inside the residential area through the main door as I have always done in the past year. Since Bibhav Kumar was not present, I entered the residence area and informed the staff present there to tell the CM that I was there to meet him.”
Kumar has countered these claims, filing a complaint accusing Maliwal of unauthorized entry and verbal abuse.
When asked if he was at his residence during the incident, Kejriwal confirmed, “I was there. But I was not present at the scene.” His comments come amid rising tensions within the AAP, as members are reportedly pressured to take sides.
Swati Maliwal’s Response To Arvind Kejriwal
Reacting to Kejriwal’s remarks, Maliwal expressed her skepticism, stating, “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 favour 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 further alleged internal pressure within the party, saying, “Yesterday I got a call from a big leader of the party. They told me how there is a lot of pressure on everyone, they have to say bad things against Swati, they have to break her by leaking her personal photos. It is being said that anyone who supports her will be expelled from the party.”
Delhi minister and AAP leader Atishi accused Maliwal of lying and being part of a BJP conspiracy, exacerbating the internal conflict. The situation has led to a war of words, with Maliwal’s supporters facing potential expulsion from the party.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by North Delhi’s Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Anjitha Chepyala has been formed to investigate the case. The SIT includes three Inspector-rank officers, including the officer from the Civil Lines Police Station where the case was registered.
Bibhav Kumar is currently in five-day police custody following his arrest. As the investigation progresses, both parties await further developments.
