AAP Accuses BJP of Orchestrating False Assault Allegations Against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal
Desk Report, May 18, 2024: In a press conference held on Friday, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) addressed the assault allegations leveled by its Rajya Sabha MP, Swati Maliwal, against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Cabinet minister Atishi accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of engineering a conspiracy to fabricate false accusations against Kejriwal, designating Maliwal as a key figure in this alleged scheme.
Atishi asserted that Maliwal’s unauthorized visit to the Chief Minister’s residence on May 13 was orchestrated by the BJP with the intent to smear Kejriwal’s reputation. Notably, Kejriwal was not present at the residence during the purported incident, thus evading any direct involvement.
The AAP spokesperson pointed to a video recording that purportedly contradicts Maliwal’s assault claims, depicting her engaged in confrontational behavior and verbally threatening police officials at the Chief Minister’s residence. Atishi highlighted Maliwal’s lack of visible injuries in the footage, questioning the veracity of her allegations.
Furthermore, Atishi revealed that a formal complaint has been lodged against Maliwal by Bibhav Kumar, a staff member at the Chief Minister’s residence, detailing the events that transpired on the day of the incident. According to Kumar’s complaint, Maliwal entered the premises without a prior appointment, subsequently resorting to intimidation tactics when confronted by security personnel.
The AAP spokesperson emphasized that Sanjay Singh’s initial support for Maliwal was contingent upon her version of events, which has since been refuted by corroborating evidence. Atishi underscored the significance of the surfaced video footage in discrediting Maliwal’s claims, portraying them as baseless and politically motivated.
The developments follow Maliwal’s statement recorded by Delhi’s Tis Hazari Court in an assault case, which prompted the filing of an FIR against Bibhav Kumar and others based on her complaint. Maliwal, escorted by police security, arrived at the court to provide her testimony under Section 164 of the CrPC.
Swati Maliwal took to social media to decry what she described as a concerted effort by a “political hitman” to manipulate public perception and evade accountability. She urged for the release of CCTV footage from the residence to substantiate her claims, underscoring the contentious nature of the allegations.
The controversy surrounding the incident hinges on a viral video clip depicting Maliwal and security personnel at the Chief Minister’s residence on May 13. While the authenticity of the video remains unverified, AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj commented on its implications, highlighting perceived inconsistencies in Maliwal’s narrative.
The FIR against Bibhav Kumar includes a slew of charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), underscoring the gravity of the allegations and the legal ramifications thereof. As the investigation unfolds, the veracity of the accusations and the underlying political dynamics continue to captivate public attention.
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