Swati Maliwal assault case: Delhi Police will not record the statement of the parents of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today in connection with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal assault case, said police sources.
Earlier, there were reports that CM Kejriwal's parents had asked the police to come at 11:30 am today. According to sources, Delhi Police will question Sunita Kejriwal, Arvind Kejriwal's wife, along with his parents. A female officer has requested a meeting with all three to record their statements.
Taking to X, Kejriwal said that he is waiting for the Delhi Police with his parents. "I am waiting for the police with my parents and wife. Yesterday the police called my parents and asked for time for interrogation. But they have not given any information yet whether they will come or not," he said.
Swati Maliwal has accused Kejriwal's assistant, Bibhav Kumar, of assaulting her when she visited the Chief Minister's official residence on May 13. Kumar has been arrested, and the police have registered a case against him.
Notably, this development coincides with the final day of the election campaign in Delhi, prompting key leaders of AAP and the coordination committee team to convene for a meeting at the CM House.
Arvind Kejriwal Swati Maliwal assault case
Kejriwal has called for a fair and thorough investigation into the assault case involving the former Delhi Commission for Women chief. Kejriwal emphasised the need for justice, pointing out that the incident has two conflicting versions. In a statement to PTI, Kejriwal said, "I want a fair investigation and justice in the Swati Maliwal assault case, as the incident has two versions." He stressed the importance of uncovering the truth to ensure that justice is served.
In an interview with PTI, Kejriwal stated that the matter is "sub-judice" and refrained from commenting further to avoid influencing the proceedings. "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," Kejriwal said.
When asked if he was present at his residence during the incident, Kejriwal confirmed he was there but not at the scene of the alleged assault.
Meanwhile, Maliwal reacted on X and wrote, "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 evidences and protesting in favour of the accused, 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."
Maliwal's allegations
Swati Maliwal 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. Maliwal warned that those supporting her might face expulsion from the party.
Maliwal has alleged that Kumar slapped her seven to eight times, 'kicked on the chest, stomach, and pelvis area,' and threatened to kill her. She stated that the incident occurred on May 13 when she went to meet Kejriwal at his official residence. Meanwhile, the AAP has denied the allegations, claiming that Maliwal is being “blackmailed” by the BJP to become part of their conspiracy.
Kumar was arrested by the Delhi Police on Saturday after being booked under Sections 354 (assault or use of criminal force on woman with intent to disrobe), 506 (criminal intimidation), 509 (word, gesture, or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman), and 323 (voluntarily causing hurt)of the Indian Penal Code.
Bibhav Kumar is currently in five-day police custody. On Tuesday, he was taken to Mumbai to recover data from his phone, which police suspect he formatted before his arrest. Investigators believe he transferred the data to another person or device in Mumbai. Kumar's phone, laptop, and CCTV footage from Kejriwal's residence have been sent for forensic examination. As his police custody ends on Thursday, the investigation team is working to gather all relevant evidence.
(Input: Anamika Gaur)
