police-and-forensic-experts-visit-kejriwal-home-over-maliwal-assault-claim

A team of Delhi Police and Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) officials visited Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's residence on Friday evening to investigate the alleged assault on AAP MP Swati Maliwal.

 

This investigation follows an FIR filed against Kejriwal's aide, Bibhav Kumar, based on a complaint by Maliwal. The police team, led by Additional DCP (north) Anjitha Chepyala, arrived at the Chief Minister's residence around 4.45 pm.

 

They were accompanied by three other police officers and five forensic experts. Their objective was to collect evidence, including CCTV footage, from the CM's house.

 

Maliwal, a Rajya Sabha MP from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and former head of the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW), accused Kumar of physically assaulting her at the Chief Minister's residence.

 

According to her complaint, Kumar kicked her in the stomach and chest multiple times. Maliwal described how he slapped her multiple times while she screamed for help.

 

Despite her attempts to protect herself, she alleged that Kumar continued to assault her, dragging her and causing her shirt to be pulled up, leading to further physical and emotional distress. She reported hitting her head on a table during the altercation.

 

In addition to the police investigation, the National Commission for Women (NCW) has also taken up the case. They summoned Kumar for a hearing, but he did not appear.

 

An NCW team, along with Delhi Police, attempted to serve him a notice at his residence, but those present refused to accept it. Following the alleged assault, Maliwal underwent a medical check-up at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi.

 

Sources indicate that she has suffered internal injuries to her face, as documented in a medico-legal case report. The details of the alleged assault emerged as Maliwal appeared before a magistrate to record her statement in the case on Friday.

 

The incident has sparked significant concern and attention. NCW chief Rekha Sharma commented on the situation, expressing her support for Maliwal and criticising Kejriwal for not addressing the issue publicly.

 

Sharma suggested that Kejriwal's silence indicates support for his aide rather than the victim. The investigation is ongoing, with both the police and the NCW working to gather more information and take appropriate action based on their findings.

 

The case has highlighted issues of violence against women and the responsibilities of political leaders in addressing such allegations within their own circles. The NCW chief said that if Kumar does not appear before the commission by Saturday, she will personally visit his residence to inquire further.

 

Bibhav Kumar's failure to appear before the NCW and the police's active investigation into the matter underscore the seriousness of the allegations. The incident has brought to light the critical issue of how political parties handle internal accusations of misconduct.

 

The response from the AAP leadership, particularly Kejriwal's silence, has been criticised by various quarters, including the NCW. As the investigation progresses, it remains to be seen what actions will be taken against Kumar and how this will impact the political landscape in Delhi.