Swati Maliwal, the chairperson of the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW), filed a complaint with the police alleging that Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal instructed his close aide, Bibhav Kumar, to physically assault her. This accusation sparked significant controversy and drawn the attention of the National Commission for Women (NCW), which has vowed to take legal action in response to the allegations.
The National Commission for Women announced on Monday its intention to dispatch an inquiry team to investigate the alleged assault on Swati Maliwal, a member of the Rajya Sabha. Additionally, the commission plans to send a formal letter to the Delhi Police, urging them to provide an action taken report regarding the incident.
The NCW stated in a post on X,
“Reportedly, MP Rajya Sabha Smt Swati Maliwal was assaulted at the residence of Delhi CM. NCW is committed to taking action and seeks justice from Delhi Police, dispatching an inquiry team. Perpetrators must face accountability. NCW will formally request Delhi Police for an Action Taken Report within 3 days.”
Swati Maliwal, a member of the Rajya Sabha from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and former chairperson of the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW), visited the Civil Lines police station to lodge a complaint. She alleged that she was assaulted by a close aide of Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi, who allegedly instructed the attack to take place at his official residence. However, the police have not yet received a formal complaint regarding the incident.
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Maliwal accused Bibhav Kumar, a member of Kejriwal‘s personal staff, of assaulting her. The police stated that they received the first call regarding the incident at approximately 9:34 am. Subsequently, the AAP leader arrived at the police station and stated her intention to file a formal complaint at a later time.
DCP Manoj Meena stated,
“At 9:34 AM, we received a PCR call reporting an assault inside the CM residence. Local police and the SHO promptly responded. Shortly after, MP Swati Maliwal arrived at the Civil Lines police station. However, no formal complaint has been filed by her regarding this incident.”
According to the police register entry, the female caller alleged,
“I am at the CM residence. He directed his PA to assault me.”
Bibhav Kumar gained significant attention when the Delhi vigilance department dismissed him from his role as Kejriwal’s personal secretary, citing an “unlawful appointment.” This action taken in relation to a 2007 case where he accused of “assault and obstructing a public servant from carrying out their duties.” Additionally, in February, he received a summons from the ED regarding the Delhi excise policy case.
Union Minister Rajeev Chandrashekar criticized the AAP in response to Maliwal’s allegations, stating,
“Let’s not forget, this is the same Kejriwal who also assaulted the chief secretary, an IAS officer.”
Amit Malviya, the head of BJP’s IT cell, pointed out Maliwal’s previous silence on Kejriwal’s arrest and her absence from India at the time. He wrote,
“AAP RS MP and former DCW chief Swati Maliwal alleges that Delhi CM’s PA assaulted her. Call made from Delhi CM’s House. Remember, Swati Maliwal had maintained radio silence on Kejriwal’s arrest. She was in fact not even in India at that time and didn’t return for a long time.”
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Former Delhi BJP president Vijender Gupta, speaking to X, asserted,
“AAP MP from Rajya Sabha and former DCW Chief, Swati Maliwal, has been physically assaulted by out on bail CM Arvind Kejriwal’s PA at CMO. Anyone who has followed Kejriwal’s politics knows that he has done with many of his colleagues who he dared to differ with him. He is a dictator and a megalomaniac.”
In another statement to X, BJP leader Kapil Mishra demanded clarity from the AAP regarding the incident. He questioned,
“Did Kejriwal’s PA Bibhav beat up Swati Maliwal? Will the Chief Minister’s office provide any clarification? May God forbid that the report of a female Rajya Sabha MP being assaulted in the Chief Minister’s residence is untrue.”
The outcome of the investigation and subsequent legal actions could have significant implications for political accountability and the safety and autonomy of women activists in India.