Swati Maliwal recounts assault incident, claims Kejriwal was present
In an indirect counter-attack on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Aam Aadmi Party MP Swati Maliwal alleged that he was present at his residence when she was assaulted by his aide on May 13. Her allegations contradict the claims made by Kejriwal that he was not "present at the scene." This is the first time Maliwal has verbally narrated the incident; previous details were obtained from her FIR against Kejriwal's aide, Bibhav Kumar, on May 16.
Why does this story matter?
A row has erupted within the AAP after Maliwal alleged she was "slapped seven to eight times," "brutally dragged," and kicked in the "chest, stomach, and pelvis area" by Kumar on May 13. While Maliwal alleged that she was assaulted while waiting to meet the CM, the AAP alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party made her file the FIR against Kumar using an old case against Maliwal as leverage. The party claimed that she was sent by the BJP.
Maliwal describes assault, questions Kejriwal's role
In the interview with news agency ANI, Maliwal claimed she arrived at Kejriwal's residence around 9:00am on May 13 and was made to wait in the drawing room. It was then that Kumar entered the room and allegedly began assaulting her. "He slapped me seven-eight times. When I tried to push him, he grabbed my legs and pulled me down on the floor... I screamed for help but nobody came," she recounted.
Maliwal cooperates with investigation, Kejriwal responds
When asked if Kumar was instructed to assault her, Maliwal responded that it is a matter of investigation whether he acted independently or under instructions. She emphasized her cooperation with the investigation and stated, "I am not giving any clean chit to anyone. The fact is I was being beaten up and Arvind Kejriwal was there."
Maliwal reacts to Kejriwal's comments, alleges party pressure
On Wednesday, Kejriwal clarified that he was present at his official residence at the time of the incident. "But I expect there will be a fair investigation," Kejriwal said. As part of the probe in the case, the Delhi Police was scheduled to question Kejriwal's parents on Thursday. Reports that came later in the day said that the police have postponed their plan.
