Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has broken his silence on the alleged assault on AAP’s Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal, stating that there are two versions of the incident and that the police should investigate both fairly.
In an exclusive interview with PTI, Kejriwal said, “… I expect there will be a fair investigation. Justice should be served. There are two versions of the event. Police should investigate both versions fairly and justice should be done.”
Kejriwal confirmed that he was present at his official residence at the time of the purported incident, but denied being present at the scene. He declined to comment further, citing the matter’s sub judice status.
The incident has led to a war of words within the AAP, with Delhi minister Atishi accusing Maliwal of “lying” and alleging that the party has been pressured to malign her. Maliwal, in turn, has claimed that she is under “a lot of pressure” to discredit her, with threats of expulsion from the party for anyone who supports her.
Maliwal has alleged in an FIR that Kejriwal’s aide Bibhav Kumar “slapped” her and “brutally dragged” her while “kicking” her in her “chest, stomach, and pelvis area.” Kumar has filed a written complaint against Maliwal, making counter-allegations of misconduct.
