Amid the row surrounding allegations of assault involving AAP Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal at the Delhi Chief Minister’s residence, Maliwal’s ex-husband, Naveen Jaihind, on Tuesday claimed that the life of the former chief of Delhi Commission for Women is under threat.
Jaihind called for an end to what he termed as ‘drama’ by AAP leader Sanjay Singh, suggesting that he was is well aware of the circumstances.
Hours earlier, Sanjay Singh said in a press briefing that Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had acknowledged Maliwal’s assault at the Chief Minister’s residence and had ordered strict action. “We are with Swati Maliwal,” Singh asserted.
Naveen Jaihind claimed that whatever happened with Maliwal was already ‘planned’ and urged her to stand up for herself.
“I am Naveen Jaihind. Since yesterday, I have been getting a lot of calls from journalists regarding what happened with Swati Maliwal at the Delhi Chief Minister’s residence. First, I want to say that I am divorced and have not been in contact with her for the last four years. Second, I want to tell you that whatever has happened with Swati was planned and now she has been threatened and anything can happen to her.” Maliwal’s ex-husband further stated that the alleged assault on her happened at the “instructions of someone,” he said on X.
“The man who has assaulted Swati does not have the guts to even raise his voice but he did that on the instructions of someone. I was just listening to Sanjay Singh’s press conference and wanted to tell him that he should stop acting, as he knows everything. Swati should stand up and speak for herself. What are you afraid of? Speak up, we are all with you. Her life is under threat,” Naveen Jaihind added in his video message.
However, Delhi Police said that Swati Maliwal has not contacted them yet to file a complaint, also mentioning that they would wait a bit longer for her complaint, and if none is received, they might reach out to her.
According to police sources, a PCR call is for emergency police assistance and doesn’t constitute filing a complaint.
Earlier on Tuesday, AAP leader Sanjay Singh addressed the media, saying, “Yesterday, an incident took place. At the residence of Arvind Kejriwal, an incident of misbehaviour took place with Swati Maliwal by Bibhav Kumar (Arvind Kejriwal’s PA). Swati Maliwal has informed about this incident to Delhi Police. This is a condemnable incident. Arvind Kejriwal has taken cognizance of the incident and has directed strict action in the incident. We are with Swati Maliwal.”
On Tuesday, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) House proceedings were abruptly adjourned without any discussion due to a disturbance caused by BJP councillors over the alleged assault of Maliwal and the demand for the appointment of a ‘Dalit’ Mayor. Holding signs and shouting slogans against the Delhi Chief Minister, BJP councillors disrupted the proceedings.
Furthermore, BJP put forward a motion of censure at the MCD House regarding allegations made by Swati Maliwal against Arvind Kejriwal’s assistant at the Chief Minister’s residence, worrying about the safety of AAP members and MPs, questioning the safety of women in Delhi.
The developments come just before the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Delhi, and shortly after Arvind Kejriwal’s release from jail on interim bail granted by the Supreme Court until June 1. In the elections on May 25, all seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi will be contested, with AAP and Congress teaming up. AAP will run for 4 seats, and Congress for 3, as agreed.