In a dramatic turn of events, the ongoing saga involving Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Swati Maliwal’s assault allegations against an aide of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has taken a new twist. A team of Delhi Police officials, led by Additional DCP Anjitha Chepyala and SHO Civil Lines, visited Kejriwal’s residence to collect CCTV footage in connection with Maliwal’s claims.
Maliwal alleges that she was assaulted by Kejriwal’s aide, Bibhav Kumar, during a visit to the Chief Minister’s residence on May 13. The police are now investigating the incident, having obtained the CCTV DVR from Kejriwal’s home to examine the footage from that day.
Meanwhile, Kejriwal has made startling accusations, claiming that Maliwal was coerced by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) into fabricating the assault allegations as part of a larger conspiracy against him. Kejriwal contends that Maliwal’s involvement in the matter is linked to a corruption case she is facing. Bibhav Kumar, the accused, was apprehended by Delhi Police and remanded to five days of custody by a Metropolitan Magistrate at Tis Hazari Court.
Maliwal, in response to the assault incident, suggested that the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia might have prevented it. She has also voiced concerns about the safety of AAP members, alleging that the BJP has launched an operation, dubbed “Operation Jhaadu,” to dismantle the party. Kejriwal echoed these sentiments, warning of potential freezes on bank accounts and office seizures.
In court filings, the Delhi Police described the assault on Maliwal as a grave matter, asserting that the attack could have been fatal. They accused Bibhav Kumar of being uncooperative and evasive during questioning. Additionally, they noted that Kumar claimed to have formatted his mobile phone in Mumbai, hindering access to potential evidence. The police have emphasized the need for Kumar’s cooperation in retrieving crucial data from his phone.
As tensions escalate, AAP has organized a protest march to the BJP headquarters in the national capital, denouncing what they perceive as politically motivated attacks. The case continues to unfold, with both sides entrenched in a battle that transcends mere allegations of assault, reflecting the deep-rooted political animosities prevalent in the Indian capital.
