New Delhi, May 17: AAP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal has formally lodged a complaint against Bibhav Kumar, an aide to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, alleging harassment. This development comes after days of silence, during which Maliwal refrained from speaking publicly about the incident. The police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Kumar for assault, criminal intimidation, and outraging a woman’s modesty under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code.
In a social media post, former Chairperson of Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) Maliwal expressed the difficulties she has faced over the past few days, describing the incident as “very bad.” She thanked her supporters and urged the BJP not to politicize the matter, emphasizing that the country’s issues are more important than her personal ordeal.
Delhi Police recorded Maliwal’s statement on Thursday evening. A two-member police team, led by Assistant Commissioner of Police PS Kushwaha, met Maliwal at her residence to gather details. This meeting lasted for four hours, according to officials.
The National Commission for Women has summoned Kumar, adding to the pressure on the AAP leadership. The BJP has seized on the incident to criticize Kejriwal, demanding his resignation and accusing him of shielding his aide.
AAP leader Sanjay Singh confirmed the “distressing incident” and stated that Kejriwal has called for the “strictest possible action” against Kumar. Singh criticized the BJP for playing “political games” and reiterated the party’s support for Maliwal, a senior AAP leader.
The controversy has also drawn reactions from the Congress, AAP’s ally in the INDIA opposition bloc. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra expressed her support for Maliwal, stating she stands with women irrespective of their political affiliations.
Delhi’s seven Lok Sabha seats are set to vote on May 25, and the incident has added to the political tensions amid the ongoing general election campaign. The BJP won all seven seats in the last election, and the current scandal could influence voter sentiment.
