Swati Maliwal, a Rajya Sabha MP from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and former chief of the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW), has filed a First Information Report (FIR) detailing a brutal assault by Arvind Kejriwal's personal assistant and aide, Bibhav Kumar. The incident reportedly occurred on May 13 at the Delhi Chief Minister's residence.
### Allegations in the FIR
According to the FIR, Maliwal was in the drawing room of Kejriwal's house when Bibhav Kumar entered and began verbally abusing her without any provocation. Maliwal recounted that Kumar screamed at her, calling her a "despicable woman" and threatening to teach her a lesson. Following the verbal abuse, Kumar allegedly slapped her 7-8 times and dragged her by her shirt, causing her to fall and hit her head on a table.
### Physical Assault
The FIR states that Kumar continued his assault by kicking Maliwal repeatedly in her chest, stomach, and pelvis, even after she informed him that she was on her period and in severe pain. Maliwal described feeling numb and shocked, repeatedly screaming for help but receiving no assistance.
### Aftermath and Threats
Maliwal managed to escape and contacted the police. She claimed that Kumar threatened her, stating he would "bury her." After the assault, she went to the Civil Lines police station but did not initially file a written complaint due to the trauma she was experiencing. However, she later underwent a medical examination at AIIMS, Delhi, where internal injuries were confirmed.
### Immediate Response
The Delhi Police have intensified their search for Bibhav Kumar, who is reportedly in Amritsar. The incident came to wider attention when a video emerged showing Maliwal arguing with security personnel at Kejriwal's residence, although the video's authenticity has not been confirmed by India Today.
### Trigger for Filing the Complaint
Sources suggest that Maliwal decided to file the formal complaint after seeing Kumar with Arvind Kejriwal at Lucknow airport, which led her to question the promised actions by the party against Kumar. Despite initial assurances from AAP colleague Sanjay Singh, Maliwal felt compelled to take a stand following the sighting.
### Reaction and Implications
This incident has sparked significant concern and controversy, highlighting issues of internal party dynamics, the handling of assault allegations, and the broader implications for women's safety and justice within political environments. The response of the Delhi Police and the subsequent legal proceedings will be closely watched as the case unfolds.
