New Delhi: AAP MP Swati Maliwal Alleges Death Threats Following Controversial Video
Swati Maliwal, an AAP Rajya Sabha MP, reported receiving rape and death threats after a "character assassination" campaign allegedly led by party leaders and volunteers. The situation worsened following a video posted by YouTuber Dhruv Rathee, which Maliwal claims was biased against her.
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Maliwal expressed her distress over the threats and the one-sided nature of Rathee’s video. She accused the party leadership of attempting to intimidate her into retracting her complaint and criticized Rathee for not responding to her attempts to share her perspective.
Maliwal highlighted several key points she felt Rathee neglected in his 2.5-minute video:
- The AAP’s reversal after initially acknowledging the incident.
- The MLC report indicating injuries from the assault.
- The selective release of video footage and subsequent formatting of the accused's phone.
- The arrest of the accused at the crime scene (the Chief Minister's residence) and the questionable access granted to him later, possibly for evidence tampering.
- Maliwal's consistent advocacy for justice, including her solo trip to Manipur without security, questioning how she could be accused of being influenced by the BJP.
Maliwal condemned the actions of party machinery and its supporters, which she believes aimed to vilify and shame her. She announced her intention to report the threats to Delhi Police, urging them to take strong action against the perpetrators. She also warned that if any harm befell her, the instigators were evident.
The controversy stems from the arrest of Bibhav Kumar on May 18 in connection with an assault on Maliwal at Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's residence on May 13. Kumar, a former personal secretary to Kejriwal, has sought bail, with the court issuing a notice to Delhi Police for their response.
This incident underscores the escalating tensions and serious allegations within the AAP, highlighting the critical importance of ensuring safety and addressing accusations transparently.