AAP Leader Swati Maliwal Accuses Arvind Kejriwal’s Aide of Assault Amid Controversial Video

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 17th May. AAP leader Swati Maliwal has accused Bibhav Kumar, an aide of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, of assaulting her inside the CM’s residence in Civil Lines. The allegation has sparked controversy following the release of a 52-second mobile phone video on Friday, where  Maliwal is seen arguing with security officials.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Maliwal referred to a “political hitman” and claimed that this individual had orchestrated the release of the video to build a narrative defending the party. “Like every time… this political hitman has started efforts to save himself. By getting his people to tweet and play videos without any context, he thinks he can save himself (after) committing this crime,” she wrote. Ms. Maliwal called for the truth to be revealed through CCTV footage of the house and room, declaring, “Fall to whatever level you want… God is watching. One day, the truth will be revealed.”

Swati Maliwal vs Kejriwal Security Guards Video
The video begins in the middle of an argument, briefly showing Ms. Maliwal seated on a couch. Security officials are seen and heard asking her to leave the premises. Ms. Maliwal responds angrily, “… I will not. I will do it. I will do it. Today, I will tell these people everything.” The guard replies, “Yes, you can… that is your headache…” before being interrupted by Ms. Maliwal, who insists on speaking to the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP).

Despite being asked to accompany the guards, Maliwal remains defiant, stating she will file a complaint at the Civil Lines Police Station. She further asserts, “This will happen here… And I will eat your job if you touch me.” The video, which pans between the officer and the ground, shows Ms. Maliwal in a pink top sitting on the couch. It ends with her daring the guards to physically eject her and cursing one of the officers, prompting a rebuke.

Response and Political Fallout
The AAP has yet to respond to the video or Maliwal’s tweet outburst. On Thursday, in her first public comment on the incident, Maliwal called for action against her attackers, describing the past few days as very difficult. She also criticized those suggesting her claims were orchestrated by “the other party,” seen as a reference to the BJP, which has accused Kejriwal and AAP of being “anti-women.”

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman condemned Kejriwal for continuing to associate with Bibhav Kumar, demanding an apology from the Chief Minister. Kumar faces multiple charges, including assault, criminal intimidation, and outraging a woman’s modesty, and has received a summons from the National Commission of Women.

AAP and Opposition Reactions
On Tuesday, AAP MP Sanjay Singh expressed support for Maliwal, acknowledging her significant contributions and stating the party would handle the issue seriously as per Kejriwal’s order. However, the BJP slammed the delayed response from AAP. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also expressed support for Maliwal, emphasizing her stance with women regardless of party affiliation.

The unfolding controversy continues to draw significant attention as both parties navigate the political and social ramifications of the incident.