'Rape, death threats increased after video by Dhruv Rathee': Maliwal
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal revealed on Sunday that she has been receiving rape and death threats after her party "orchestrated a campaign of character assassination" against her. She said that the situation escalated after YouTuber Dhruv Rathee posted a "one-sided video" against her. The MP expressed disappointment with Rathee, stating that she reached out to him to present her side of the story, but he completely ignored her.
Why does this story matter?
A row has erupted within the AAP after Maliwal alleged she was "slapped seven to eight times," "kicked in the "chest, stomach, and pelvis area" by Arvind Kejriwal's aide Bibhav Kumar on May 13. While Maliwal alleged that she was assaulted while waiting to meet the CM, the AAP alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) made her file a case against Kumar using an old case against her as leverage. The party claimed she was sent by the BJP.
Maliwal accuses party leadership of intimidation
"As far as the party leadership goes, it is very clear that they are trying to intimidate me into withdrawing my complaint," she wrote on X. "However, for Dhruv...It is shameful that people like him, who claim to be independent journalists, could act like other AAP spokespersons and victim-shame me," she added.
Maliwal highlights overlooked aspects in Rathee's video
In her post, Maliwal also pointed out several elements she believed were neglected in Rathee's 2.5-minute video. These include the AAP's reversal of stance after acknowledging the incident, a medical exam report revealing injuries from the assault, and the selective release of part of the video before formatting the accused's phone. She also questioned how a woman who consistently championed the right issues could be bought over by the BJP.
Maliwal reports threats to Delhi Police, seeks action
Maliwal filed a police complaint against Kumar on May 16, two days after the alleged assault. Kumar was arrested on May 18 in the assault case and was sent to judicial custody for four more days on Friday. The Delhi CM's aide was presented before a Delhi court on Friday after spending five days in police custody.
