'BJP conspiracy': Atishi denies wrongdoing in Swati Maliwal case, addresses press conference

Amidst the controversy surrounding the alleged assault of AAP MP Swati Maliwal at Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's residence. During a live press conference, Delhi Minister and AAP leader Atishi dismissed Swati Maliwal's allegations as part of a "BJP conspiracy." Atishi claimed that the BJP orchestrated a plot and sent Maliwal to Kejriwal's residence, dubbing Maliwal as the face of this alleged conspiracy.

The forensic investigation team of Delhi Police has once again arrived at the residence of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, in connection with AAP MP Swati Maliwal assault case. Maliwal and police officials are present at the residence to recreate the incident that took place on 13th May.

Accusations of Political Manipulation

Atishi's statements suggest that the AAP views Maliwal's actions as politically motivated and orchestrated by rival parties to discredit the AAP leadership.

“BJP hatched a conspiracy and sent Swati Maliwal to Kejriwal's residence. Swati Maliwal is the face of BJP's conspiracy,” AAP leader said during a press conference on Friday.

"On May 13, AAP MP Swati Maliwal entered Chief Minister Kejriwal's residence without an appointment. He was not available, but she still initiated an argument with him. When CM's personal secretary Bibhav Kumar stopped her, she began arguing in the drawing room," Atishi said in the press conference.

AAP leader & Delhi minister Atishi said, "Ever since Arvind Kejriwal has got bail, the BJP is rattled. Due to this, the BJP hatched a conspiracy, under which Swati Maliwal was sent to Arvind Kejriwal's house on the morning of 13th May. Swati Maliwal was the face and pawn of this conspiracy. They intended to accuse the CM but the CM was not there at that time so he was saved. After that, Swati Maliwal accused Bibhav Kumar. In her complaint to the police, she said she was assaulted. The video which has come out today shows her sitting comfortably in the drawing room (of the CM house) and threatening the police officials. She was also seen threatening Bibhav Kumar in the video. Neither her clothes were not torn nor any injury on her head can be seen in the video. Swati Maliwal alleged she was brutally assaulted but the video that surfaced today shows entirely different reality."

CM Arvind Kejriwal's aide Bibhav Kumar has given complaint to police against Swati Maliwal, said AAP leader Atishi.

AAP's Response
The AAP earlier criticized Maliwal over a video clip from the CM's residence, which purportedly shows Maliwal having an argument with security personnel. This marks a shift in the party's stance, as it contradicts AAP MP Sanjay Singh's earlier statement of support for Maliwal.

Earlier in the day, the AAP had retweeted a video that purportedly shows party MP Swati Maliwal arguing with staff at chief minister Arvind Kejriwal's residence.

The video was allegedly taken after she was assaulted, though its authenticity has not been ascertained.

In its tweet, the party attached the video, stating: "Swati Maliwal ka sach".

The retweet of the video by the party was the first indication that it has decided to back Kejriwal's aide Bibhav Kumar over its own MP, who has alleged that Bibhav physically and verbally assaulted her at the CM's residence on May 13.


Maliwal's Response
In response to the video, Maliwal labeled an anonymous individual a "political hitman" and claimed efforts were being made to save him. She expressed confidence that the truth would be revealed through CCTV footage.

Earlier in the day, the AAP attacked Maliwal over a purported video clip from the CM's residence that was supposedly taken on the day of the alleged assault.

The video posted by a news channel was shared by the party with a caption that read "Swati Maliwal ka sach (Swati Maliwal's truth)". It purportedly showed Maliwal having an argument with the security personnel at the CM's residence.

This is the first time that the AAP has taken a stand against Maliwal in the case contradicting AAP MP Sanjay Singh's statement that Arvind Kejriwal has taken cognizance of the incident and has directed "strict action", adding that the party is "with Swati Maliwal."

In reference to the same video clip, Swati Maliwal attacked an anonymous person dubbing him a "political hitman" and said he had started efforts to save himself. She also said that the 'truth' will be revealed once the CCTV footage of the house and the room is checked.

"Like every time, this time also this political hitman has started efforts to save himself. By getting his people to tweet and play videos without any context, he thinks he can save himself by committing this crime," alleged Maliwal in a post on X.

"Who makes a video of someone being beaten up? The truth will be revealed to everyone as soon as the CCTV footage of the house and the room is checked. Fall to whatever level you can, God is watching everything. One day everyone's truth will come out in front of the world," she added.


Delhi Police FIR
The Delhi Police filed an FIR based on Maliwal's complaint, detailing the events of May 13. Maliwal alleged that Kejriwal's personal secretary, Bibhav Kumar, assaulted her at the CM's residence.


Legal Action
The FIR against Kumar includes charges under IPC Sections 308 (Attempt to commit culpable homicide), 341 (Punishment for wrongful restraint), 354B (Assault or use of criminal force to woman with intent to disrobe), 506 (Punishment for criminal intimidation), and 509 (Word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman).