Delhi Police not to question Arvind Kejriwal's parents today
The Delhi Police have postponed their plan to question the parents of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in relation to the alleged assault case involving Aam Aadmi Party MP Swati Maliwal. This came after senior AAP leaders—including Sanjay Singh and Atishi— gathered at Kejriwal's residence in a show of support on Thursday. Maliwal has accused Kejriwal's aide, Bibhav Kumar, of assaulting her at the CM's residence and filed a police complaint against him.
Why does this story matter?
Kumar was arrested on Saturday at Kejriwal's residence, two days after a case was registered against him. The Delhi CM's aide has been booked under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 308 (attempt to commit culpable homicide), 341 (wrongful restraint), 354 (B) (assault or use of criminal force to a woman with intent to disrobe), 506 (criminal intimidation), and 509 (word, gesture, or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman).
Slapped, kicked in stomach: Maliwal's complaint
In her complaint on May 16, Maliwal alleged that Kumar "slapped" her "seven to eight times," "brutally dragged" her, and kicked her in the "chest, stomach, and pelvis area." The AAP has, however, refuted the charges, with Delhi Minister Atishi alleging that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) made Maliwal file the first information report (FIR). The party has also claimed that Maliwal tried to meet Kejriwal without a prior appointment and caused a commotion.
Kejriwal, family members may be questioned in coming days
In the coming days, the police may visit Kejriwal's house to question his family, including his wife Sunita Kejriwal. Reports indicate that Kejriwal himself might also be questioned. On Thursday morning, the AAP shared videos of the Delhi CM guiding his parents, who appeared to be walking with difficulty, to a room in his residence for questioning. Later, Kejriwal wrote on X in Hindi that he was waiting for the police with his wife and parents.
Watch Kejriwal's post here
Kejriwal breaks silence over case
Notably, Kejriwal broke his silence over the case on Wednesday, saying that he wanted a fair investigation because two versions of the incident had emerged. Maliwal slammed him for his first reaction. She accused him of "unleashing the entire army of leaders and volunteers" at her and "assassinating my character." "Irony died a thousand deaths. I don't buy this one bit," she added.
Kumar brought back from Mumbai
Meanwhile, Delhi Police brought back Kumar from Mumbai on Wednesday. He had been taken to Mumbai on Tuesday for phone data recovery, suspected to have been formatted before his arrest. He remains in five-day police custody in connection with the alleged assault. Authorities allege he formatted his phone after transferring data in Mumbai. His phone, laptop, and CCTV recordings from Kejriwal's house are under forensic examination.
