A formal complaint has been lodged with the Delhi Police by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Swati Maliwal, alleging that Bibhav Kumar, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s personal secretary, subjected her to physical assault at the Chief Minister’s residence. Following this incident, Maliwal underwent a medical examination at AIIMS, where she remained for approximately two hours before departing around 3:26 a.m. Upon her return home at 4 a.m., observers noted signs of physical distress as she exited her vehicle.
The Delhi Police promptly initiated an investigation, filing an FIR against Bibhav Kumar under various sections of the IPC, including those pertaining to assault, criminal intimidation, and acts intended to insult and assault a woman. Maliwal, in a statement on social media platform X, urged the Bharatiya Janata Party not to politicize the matter, emphasizing the need for appropriate action.
Maliwal reiterated the significance of addressing national issues amidst ongoing Lok Sabha elections, stressing that individual personalities should not overshadow broader concerns. Meanwhile, the National Commission for Women (NCW) has summoned Bibhav Kumar for a hearing on May 17 regarding the alleged assault.
This incident has sparked a contentious debate between the BJP and AAP, with allegations of political protectionism leveled against the CM. Alka Lamba, President of the All India Mahila Congress, expressed solidarity with Maliwal, affirming her confidence in Maliwal’s pursuit of legal recourse.
In response, BJP leader Shazia Ilmi criticized Kumar’s actions, attributing them to directives from Kejriwal and calling for his resignation. The Delhi Police, in its investigation, is scrutinizing CCTV footage from Kejriwal’s residence to ascertain the sequence of events leading up to the assault.
Multiple police teams are deployed to locate Bibhav Kumar, who is reportedly in Punjab. As the investigation progresses, the police will gather statements from individuals present at the CM’s residence on the day of the incident, including Maliwal and the cab driver who transported her.