- Swati Maliwal broke down while presenting her case against Arvind Kejriwal’s aide Bibhav Kumar, alleging assault at the Delhi CM’s residence.
- Bibhav Kumar’s lawyer says no CCTV camera where Swati Maliwal’s alleged assault took place
- He claims this was premeditated, she’s ‘dictating all this’.
- Maliwal’s legal team countered Kumar’s assertions, highlighting his alleged lack of cooperation with the investigation and evasion of police questioning.
- The courtroom proceedings underscored the complexity of the case and the divergent interpretations of events presented by both sides.
- The incident, which sparked a political firestorm in the national capital, remains unresolved, with Kejriwal pledging a fair investigation into the matter.
- Bibhav Kumar’s police custody to end tomorrow.
A tumultuous courtroom drama unfolded as Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal broke down while presenting her case against Arvind Kejriwal’s aide Bibhav Kumar, alleging assault at the Delhi Chief Minister’s residence on May 13. Maliwal’s emotional testimony was punctuated by accusations against AAP’s “army of trolls” and a popular YouTuber, shedding light on the broader narrative surrounding the incident.
Maliwal’s tearful recounting of events came after Bibhav Kumar’s lawyer suggested that she strategically chose the alleged assault spot due to the absence of CCTV cameras. This assertion drew a strong response from Maliwal, who vehemently denied any ulterior motives and stressed the need for her safety and that of her family if Kumar were to be granted bail.
The courtroom exchanges revealed a clash of narratives, with Kumar’s lawyer portraying Maliwal’s actions as premeditated trespass and provocation. Disputing the assault charges, he argued that the allegations lacked evidence of intent to disrobe, likening them to ancient offenses.
In her defense, Maliwal addressed the pervasive online harassment she faced, attributing it to AAP’s orchestrated campaign and the dissemination of one-sided content by a popular YouTuber, without explicitly naming Dhruv Rathee. She underscored the surge in death and rape threats following the circulation of this video, emphasizing the detrimental impact of online vitriol on her safety and well-being.
Maliwal’s legal team countered Kumar’s assertions, highlighting his alleged lack of cooperation with the investigation and evasion of police questioning. They challenged the notion of trespassing, asserting that Maliwal’s presence at the Chief Minister’s residence was authorized, and refuted claims of premeditated intent.
Amidst the legal maneuvering, the Delhi Police counsel weighed in, refuting allegations of trespassing and reaffirming Maliwal’s right to be present at the residence. The courtroom proceedings underscored the complexity of the case and the divergent interpretations of events presented by both sides.
The incident, which sparked a political firestorm in the national capital, remains unresolved, with Kejriwal pledging a fair investigation into the matter. However, Maliwal’s emotional testimony and the ensuing courtroom drama shed light on the broader issues of safety, accountability, and the perils of online harassment faced by public figures.
As the legal battle ensues, Maliwal’s courageous stance against alleged assault and online intimidation serves as a rallying cry for justice and accountability, resonating with individuals grappling with similar challenges in the digital age. The courtroom saga underscores the importance of safeguarding the rights and safety of all individuals, irrespective of their public or political affiliations.
(With inputs from agencies)
