The Delhi Police’s recent chargesheet in the case concerning the assault on AAP MP Swati Maliwal has raised significant questions about the involvement of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and the actions of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders. The chargesheet reveals that Kejriwal was in contact with his personal secretary, Vibhav Kumar, immediately following the alleged attack on Maliwal. This revelation has led to speculation about a possible conspiracy to obscure the details of the incident.
According to the Delhi Police, Atishi and Sanjay Singh, prominent AAP leaders, have altered their statements regarding the assault, prompting concerns about a coordinated effort to conceal the truth. The police are currently investigating whether Kejriwal’s closeness to the accused, Kumar, and the shifting statements of AAP leaders indicate a deliberate attempt to hide the circumstances surrounding the attack.
The assault on Maliwal allegedly took place at Kejriwal’s official residence on May 13, 2024. Kumar, who has been arrested and is currently in judicial custody, was detained by the Delhi Police on May 18, 2024. The FIR against Kumar, filed on May 16, 2024, includes serious charges under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), such as criminal intimidation, assault or criminal force with the intent to disrobe, and attempt to commit culpable homicide.
A witness, identified as an auto driver, has testified that Maliwal was visibly distressed and crying while recounting her ordeal over the phone. Kumar’s bail applications have been denied by both the trial court and the high court, and his case is now pending before the Supreme Court.
On August 3, 2024, the Delhi Court emphasized the necessity of Kumar’s arrest and confirmed that the police had adhered to legal procedures. Despite Kumar’s claims of an “illegal” arrest and requests for compensation and departmental action against the officials involved, the high court rejected his bail petition on July 12, 2024, citing his considerable influence as a key factor.