A tense moment unfolded in court on Monday as Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal broke down. This followed comments from a lawyer representing Arvind Kejriwal’s aide, Bibhav Kumar, suggesting Maliwal chose the location of an alleged assault on May 13 at the Delhi Chief Minister’s residence because there were no CCTV cameras to record the incident.
Expressing her distress, Maliwal criticized AAP’s “army of trolls,” attributing increased threats to a popular YouTuber. She expressed concerns for her safety and that of her family if Kumar were granted bail. The proceedings took place at the Tis Hazari Court in Delhi during a bail plea hearing for Kejriwal’s aide, whose judicial custody was extended on May 24 after an arrest on May 18.
Kumar’s lawyer contended that Maliwal’s actions on May 13 constituted trespassing and alleged premeditation. He argued that the absence of CCTV coverage in the drawing room, where the alleged incident occurred, facilitated her choice of location for making accusations later.
Furthermore, the lawyer disputed the FIR’s claim of “assault with intent to disrobe,” stating it lacked evidence of such intent. He drew a historical parallel, likening the offense to ancient times, referencing the treatment of Draupadi by the Kauravas.
In her response, Maliwal highlighted the backlash she faced, including being labeled a BJP agent after reporting the assault. She pointed to a concerted effort by AAP, including press conferences and online harassment, fueled by a YouTuber’s one-sided video, resulting in continuous death and rape threats.
The courtroom drama underscored the intensity surrounding the allegations and the complex dynamics at play within the political landscape.
