High drama is unfolding at Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's residence in in the Civil Lines locality of the national capital, with Rajya Sabha MP and former chairperson of the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) Swati Maliwal alleging Kejriwal's Personal Assistant assaulted her. The development comes two days after Kejriwal walked out on Saturday from Tihar jail on interim bail till June 1.
According to reports, the Delhi police received two calls from the Delhi CM's residence at 6, Flagstaff in Civil Lines by a woman who identified herself as Swati Maliwal. In the first call, she alleged that Bibhav Kumar had been repeatedly beating her inside the CM's residence. She, in the second call, alleged that Bibhav was assaulting her at the behest of Kejriwal, according to news channel India TV.
Following the calls, the Delhi police rushed to Kejriwal's house, but reportedly did not find her at the residence. The reports further said that Maliwal went to Civil Lines police station.
PCR vans have been parked outside Kejriwal's house.
BJP leaders react to the development
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders reacted to the news, with many calling out Kejriwal over women's safety in Delhi. Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) national secretary Tajinder Bagga tweeted, "I stand with Swati Maliwal."
BJP IT Cell national convenor Amit Malviya also reacted to the allegations.
Taking to X, he said, "AAP RS MP and former DCW chief Swati Maliwal alleges that Delhi CM’s PA assaulted her. Call made from Delhi CM’s House. Remember, Swati Maliwal had maintained radio silence on Kejriwal’s arrest. She was infact not even in India at that time and didn’t return for a long time."
The development comes two days after Kejriwal walked out of Tihar Jail on Saturday. The Supreme Court granted the Delhi chief in a money laundering case linked to an alleged liquor policy scam. He has been ordered by the apex court to surrender on June 2.
Who is Bibhav Kumar?
Kumar was fired the vigilance department from his position as Kejriwal's private secretary. In April, he was removed from his job after being questioned by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with the Delhi excise policy case.
An order issued by Special Secretary (Vigilance) YVVJ Rajasekhar said that Kumar’s services were terminated immediately as he was appointed in violation of Central Civil Service Rules concerning temporary appointments.
