Maliwal assault case: NCW summons Kejriwal's ex-secretary Bibhav Kumar
The National Commission for Women on Thursday issued a summons to Bibhav Kumar, former personal secretary of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. This action comes in response to allegations of assault on Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal. In a letter, the NCW said, "[The commission]...has taken suo motu cognizance of...media post.'DCW chief Swati Maliwal accuses Arvind Kejriwal's personal secretary of assaulting her.'" The hearing is scheduled for Friday, 11:00am, and all parties involved are required to appear in person.
Maliwal allegedly assaulted by Kejriwal's aide
On Monday, Delhi Police said it received two distress calls from Kejriwal's residence that Maliwal had been assaulted there. The callers claimed that Kejriwal's aide Kumar prevented the former Delhi Commission for Women Chairperson from meeting with the CM—who is out on bail—at his residence and allegedly harassed her. Separately, Maliwal visited the Civil Lines Police Station following the alleged incident but left without lodging any complaint. The reason for her decision remains unclear.
Sanjay Singh visits Maliwal amid assault allegations
On Tuesday, Aam Aadmi Party leader Sanjay Singh admitted that Kumar "misbehaved" with Maliwal at the CM's residence on Monday. Describing the incident as "highly condemnable," Singh had said that Kejriwal is aware of the situation and "will take strict action." "A very distressing incident took place...Kejriwal had called...Maliwal for a meeting...She was waiting in the drawing room...when...Kumar...misbehaved with her," Singh had added. Singh also visited Maliwal at her residence on Wednesday. Maliwal has not yet commented on the incident.
BJP accuses Kejriwal of shielding Kumar
The AAP is yet to take any action against Kumar. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party has accused CM Kejriwal of protecting his aide. The party has been demanding action against Kumar and staged protests in Delhi calling for "justice for Swati Maliwal." Separately, on Thursday, the controversy gathered pace after the Delhi CM was spotted with Kumar at the Lucknow airport. Singh was also present with the two.
Kejriwal, Akhilesh evade questions on Swati Maliwal assault case
Earlier in the day, during the joint press conference of Kejriwal and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, the two leaders sidestepped questions on Maliwal's assault case. When reporters raised questions on the incident, Kejriwal handed over the microphone to Yadav who dismissed it by stating, "There are more important things than this."
