On Friday, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal recorded her statement at Delhi's Tis Hazari court regarding the alleged assault by Arvind Kejriwal's personal assistant, Bibhav Kumar. The FIR details a harrowing account of abuse that occurred at the residence of the Delhi Chief Minister on May 13, 2024. According to Maliwal's statement, Bibhav Kumar slapped her multiple times, punched her, and kicked her in the chest, stomach, and pelvis despite her pleas for mercy and her disclosure that she was on her periods.
### Detailed Allegations in the FIR
#### Initial Encounter
Maliwal stated that she arrived at Kejriwal's residence around 9 am. She was directed to wait in the drawing room for the Chief Minister. While waiting, Bibhav Kumar allegedly barged into the room, started screaming at her without any provocation, and abused her verbally. Maliwal quoted Kumar saying derogatory things and questioning her obedience.
#### Physical Assault
Without any warning, Kumar allegedly began slapping her with full force, hitting her at least 7-8 times. Despite Maliwal's continuous screams for help, no one came to her aid. She described feeling numb and shocked. When she attempted to protect herself by pushing him away with her legs, Kumar allegedly dragged her, causing her to fall and hit her head on a center table. He then continued to assault her by kicking her in the chest, stomach, and pelvis.
#### Desperation and Continued Assault
Throughout the assault, Maliwal repeatedly informed Kumar that she was in severe pain due to her menstrual cycle, but he continued the attack. She managed to free herself and called the emergency number 112 to report the crime. Kumar threatened her further and left the room but returned with security personnel, who asked her to leave the premises despite her condition.
#### Aftermath
Maliwal described being in a state of shock and deep pain. She briefly sat on the floor outside Kejriwal's house before making her way to her previous residence in Civil Lines, where she later took an auto to the Civil Lines police station to report the incident. However, due to extreme trauma and pain, and not wanting to politicize the issue, she initially left the police station without filing a written complaint.
### Medical Examination and Legal Actions
On Friday, Maliwal underwent a medical examination at AIIMS, Delhi, confirming internal injuries. The police have intensified their search for Bibhav Kumar, who is reportedly in Amritsar. Maliwal's formal complaint was prompted after spotting Kumar with Kejriwal at Lucknow airport, leading her to question the promised actions by the party against him.
### Implications
The incident has sparked significant controversy, shedding light on internal party dynamics, the handling of assault allegations, and broader implications for women's safety and justice within political environments. The response of the Delhi Police and subsequent legal proceedings will be closely monitored as the case progresses.
