Delhi: MP Swati Maliwal Assaulted by Kejriwal’s Assistant
The Delhi Police has arrested Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s assistant Bibhav Kumar for allegedly assaulting social activist and Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal just days before polling.
Swati Maliwal, a well-known social activist and politician, has recently been in the news for a serious incident involving an alleged assault. Swati, who was born in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, in 1984, holds a bachelor's degree in Information Technology. She has a long history of social work and political activism, having worked with the NGO "Parivartan" and participated in Anna Hazare’s anti-corruption movement in 2011. Swati served as the Chairperson of the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) from 2015 to 2024 and is currently a Member of Parliament (MP) representing Delhi in the Rajya Sabha for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
On May 13, 2024, Swati Maliwal alleged that Bibhav Kumar, an assistant to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, assaulted her at Kejriwal’s residence. Swati reported the incident to the Delhi Police and filed an FIR against Kumar. She claimed that Kumar slapped her multiple times, dragged her brutally, and kicked her, causing her to hit her head on a table. Swati also stated that Kejriwal was present in the house during the alleged assault.
Swati’s FIR includes charges under several IPC sections, including Section 308 (attempt to commit culpable homicide), Section 341 (wrongful restraint), Section 354B (assault or use of criminal force to disrobe a woman), Section 506 (criminal intimidation), and Section 509 (insulting the modesty of a woman). Swati also recorded her statement before a magistrate at the Tis Hazari court.
The Delhi Police investigated the case by recording statements from Kejriwal’s house staff and examining CCTV footage from the residence. The footage from the relevant period was found to be blank, raising concerns about tampering.
On May 16, Kumar was summoned by the National Commission for Women (NCW). Kumar claimed his innocence and accused Swati of breaching Kejriwal’s residence security. A 52-second video of Swati arguing with security officials surfaced, but Swati claimed it was recorded after the assault.
On May 17, Swati underwent a medical examination at AIIMS, which confirmed bruises and a head injury. The police re-enacted the incident at Kejriwal’s residence and arrested Kumar on May 18. Kumar was presented in court, and the police sought his custody for further interrogation.
The investigation revealed that Kumar’s employment had been terminated in April, yet he continued to work at Kejriwal’s residence. Kumar’s phone, which had been formatted, was sent to experts for data recovery.
Kumar was taken to Mumbai to retrieve his phone data. Meanwhile, AAP leaders accused Swati of working with BJP to tarnish Kejriwal’s image, while Swati alleged that AAP was trying to protect Kumar and discredit her.
The case has sparked a political uproar, with BJP criticizing Kejriwal for his silence and AAP accusing BJP of a conspiracy against Kejriwal. On May 19, Kejriwal led a protest march against BJP, which was halted by the police.
The investigation continues, with the Delhi Police checking the seized evidence and planning to question more individuals, including Kejriwal’s parents. Swati remains firm on her stand and has not resigned as AAP MP, while Kejriwal has urged the Prime Minister not to involve his elderly parents in the case.
Keep watching ISH News for further updates on this developing story and other important news.
