Delhi Police probes conspiracy in Swati Maliwal assault case
What's the story
The Delhi Police has launched an investigation into a potential conspiracy surrounding the assault case of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Swati Maliwal, as per a chargesheet obtained by India Today. The document indicates that Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his close aide, Bibhav Kumar, were present immediately after the alleged assault at the chief minister's residence. The police are now examining whether this proximity and subsequent actions by AAP leaders suggest a coordinated effort to conceal the assault.
Court ruling
Arrest of Bibhav Kumar justified by Delhi High Court
Kumar was arrested by the Delhi Police on May 18, two days after he allegedly assaulted Maliwal. His bail plea has been rejected several times, and on Sunday, the Delhi High Court upheld the arrest, dismissing once again his pleas to declare it illegal and noting that legal protocols were followed. The court said that it found the arrest necessary due to suspicious actions and suppression of evidence linked to Kumar.
Conspiracy alleged
Chargesheet suggests larger conspiracy in assault case
The chargesheet filed against Kumar suggests a larger conspiracy behind the assault on Maliwal. It points out the discrepancy in the statements of AAP leaders Atishi and Sanjay Singh within 72 hours of the incident. Initially, Singh publicly condemned Kumar's actions, three days later, Atishi dismissed Maliwal's allegations at a press conference. In her supplementary statement, Maliwal expressed her belief in a larger conspiracy, claiming that AAP leaders' support for Kumar is evidence of a coordinated effort to undermine her.
Victim's statement
Maliwal cites unified support for Kumar as conspiracy evidence
The chargesheet against Kumar includes eyewitness accounts that depict a brutal assault in which Maliwal was allegedly slapped multiple times, carried across the room, and kicked repeatedly. During his interrogation, Kumar was found to be evasive and non-cooperative, according to the Delhi High Court. The court also noted "suppression of crucial evidence" as only "selective CCTV footage was handed over and the mobile phone was reformatted" by the accused.