Want police to conduct my polygraph test: Maliwal amid 'victim-shaming'
Aam Aadmi Party MP Swati Maliwal, who has accused Arvind Kejriwal's aide Bibhav Kumar of assault, has requested that a polygraph test be conducted by the police to substantiate her claims. In an interview with ANI, she expressed frustration at those doubting her allegations. She stated, "Victim shaming happens with every woman...The sad part is that a Delhi minister said, 'Her clothes are not torn'. I want police to conduct my polygraph test so that everything becomes clear."
Why does this story matter?
Kumar was arrested on Saturday at Kejriwal's residence, two days after a case was registered against him. The Delhi CM's aide has been booked under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 308 (attempt to commit culpable homicide), 341 (wrongful restraint), 354 (B) (assault or use of criminal force to a woman with intent to disrobe), 506 (criminal intimidation), and 509 (word, gesture, or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman).
Slapped, kicked in stomach: Maliwal's complaint
In her complaint on May 16, Maliwal alleged that Kumar "slapped" her "seven to eight times," "brutally dragged" her, and kicked her in the "chest, stomach, and pelvis area." The AAP has, however, refuted the charges, with Delhi Minister Atishi alleging that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) made Maliwal file the first information report (FIR). The party has also claimed that Maliwal tried to meet Kejriwal without a prior appointment and caused a commotion.
AAP leaders express doubt over Maliwal's assault claims
AAP leaders have expressed doubt over Maliwal's assault allegations. Atishi referred to a mobile phone video of Maliwal at Arvind Kejriwal's residence on the day of the alleged assault, noting that her clothes were not torn and there was no visible injury to her head. In response, Maliwal stated that the clip was "selectively released" and did not represent the full context of the incident.
Maliwal responds to criticisms
Maliwal has responded to criticisms about her behavior following the alleged assault. She argued that adrenaline can mask pain in the immediate aftermath of an attack, stating, "When you are thrashed, you are agitated. There is pain, but you are agitated and that takes over you... Anybody who has been attacked knows that people can move when the wound is fresh. You realize the pain after a few days."
