NEW DELHI – An FIR has been filed against Bibhav Kumar, the Personal Secretary (PS) to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, under sections 354, 506, 509, and 323 of the IPC for allegedly assaulting AAP Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal. The incident reportedly occurred at the Chief Minister’s residence on May 13.
Swati Maliwal initially made two PCR calls regarding the incident but did not file a complaint immediately. A team from the Special Cell of the Delhi Police, led by Additional CP Pramod Kushwah, later visited Maliwal and recorded her statement. The team spent approximately four hours at Maliwal’s residence before filing the FIR. There is a possibility that the police will summon Bibhav Kumar for further investigation.
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Maliwal has urged BJP members not to politicize the incident. “What happened to me was very unpleasant. I have given my statement to the police regarding the incident. I hope appropriate action will be taken. The past few days have been very difficult for me. I am thankful to those who prayed for me. For those who attempted character assassination and claimed that I was acting at the behest of another party, may God bless them too. There are crucial elections happening in the country; Swati Maliwal is not essential, the country’s issues are essential,” she posted on social media.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has not yet commented on the matter. The BJP has been consistently attacking the AAP, alleging that the assault on Maliwal was orchestrated at the instructions of the Chief Minister and that the party is attempting to cover up the incident. The National Commission for Women (NCW) has also summoned Bibhav Kumar in connection with the case.
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Update in Swati Maliwal case: Police to record 164 CrPC statement, preserve CCTV footage
The Delhi Police’s Special Cell may take Swati Maliwal to Patiala House Courts to have her statement recorded under section 164 CrPC before a magistrate. The police will also secure the CCTV footage from the Delhi CM’s residence as part of the investigation.
On the previous day, Maliwal was taken to AIIMS for a medical examination, which lasted three hours and included a CT scan and X-ray. The medical report indicates that Maliwal sustained internal injuries. In the FIR, Maliwal alleges that Bibhav Kumar slapped her and kicked her in the stomach. The police will also record the statement of the auto-rickshaw driver who transported Maliwal to the Civil Lines police station after the alleged assault.
No arrests have been made so far in connection with the incident.