A new development has emerged in the Swati Maliwal assault case, with Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP alleging tampering with closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras installed at Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s residence.
Swati Maliwal, former chairperson of the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW), took to the microblogging site X on Friday evening, saying, “I have received information that now these people are tampering with the CCTV of the house” and tagging Delhi Police in her post.
Earlier on Friday evening, a team of Delhi Police, along with forensic officials, arrived at the Chief Minister’s residence for scene recreation in connection with the alleged assault on Maliwal, who was also present as part of the investigation.
The team concluded its investigation and videography of the premises, departing from the Chief Minister’s residence around 215 am on Saturday.
This development follows a written complaint filed by Kejriwal’s aide, Bibhav Kumar, against Maliwal, alleging unauthorized entry, verbal abuse, threats, and the possibility of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) involvement.
Notably, the Vigilance Department terminated Bibhav Kumar’s service last month over a pending criminal case.
In his complaint, Kumar urged authorities to take legal action against Maliwal and requested an investigation into her possible ties with BJP leaders, suggesting political motives behind the incident, especially considering the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.
Amidst the controversy, AAP released a purported video clip from the CM’s residence, purportedly showing Maliwal having an argument with security personnel. This marks the first time AAP has taken a stand against Maliwal in the case, contradicting AAP MP Sanjay Singh’s earlier statement of support for Maliwal.
Delhi Police had filed an FIR based on Maliwal’s complaint on Thursday, detailing the events of May 13 when Maliwal alleges she was assaulted at the Chief Minister’s residence.
In response to the escalating tensions, Maliwal criticized her own party, accusing it of protecting a “gunda” (hitman) and engaging in her “character assassination.”
Speaking at a press conference AAP leader Atishi labelled Maliwal’s visit to the Chief Minister’s residence as “part of a conspiracy.”
Swati Maliwal’s statement was recorded by Delhi’s Tis Hazari court on Friday, leading to the filing of an FIR against Bibhav Kumar and others under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including attempted culpable homicide and criminal intimidation.