Maliwal assault row: 'I always stand with women', says Priyanka
What's the story
Reacting to the reports of alleged assault on Aam Aadmi Party MP Swati Maliwal, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday said that she will always stand with women if any atrocity is committed. I always stand with women...irrespective of which party they belong to... Secondly, AAP will discuss among themselves and make a decision. It is up to them," Vadra told news agency ANI.
On Monday
Maliwal allegedly assaulted by Kejriwal's aide
On Monday, Delhi Police said it received two distress calls from Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's residence that Maliwal had been assaulted there. The callers claimed that Kejriwal's aide Bibhav Kumar prevented the former Delhi Commission for Women Chairperson from meeting with the CM—who is out on bail—at his residence and allegedly harassed her. Separately, Maliwal visited the Civil Lines Police Station following the alleged incident but left without lodging any complaint. The reason for her decision remains unclear.
AAP's response
Sanjay Singh visits Maliwal amid assault allegations
On Tuesday, AAP leader Sanjay Singh admitted that Kumar "misbehaved" with Maliwal at the CM's residence on Monday. Describing the incident as "highly condemnable," Singh had said that Kejriwal is aware of the situation and "will take strict action." "A very distressing incident took place...Kejriwal had called...Maliwal for a meeting...She was waiting in the drawing room...when...Kumar...misbehaved with her," Singh had added. Singh also visited Maliwal at her residence on Wednesday. Maliwal has not yet commented on the incident.
Political slugfest
BJP accuses Kejriwal of shielding Kumar
The AAP is yet to take any action against Kumar. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party has accused CM Kejriwal of protecting his aide. The party has been demanding action against Kumar and staged protests in Delhi calling for "justice for Swati Maliwal." Separately, on Thursday, the controversy gathered pace after the Delhi CM was spotted with Kumar at the Lucknow airport. Singh was also present with the two.
For hearing
NCW summons Kumar
Separately, the National Commission for Women on Thursday issued a summons to Kumar. In a letter, the NCW said, "[The commission]...has taken suo motu cognizance of...media post.'DCW chief Swati Maliwal accuses Arvind Kejriwal's personal secretary of assaulting her.'" The hearing is scheduled for Friday, 11:00am, and all parties involved are required to appear in person.