Somnath Bharti's wife complains of domestic violence, DCW serves notice

NEW DELHI: In more embarrassment for AAP, former Delhi Law Minister and party MLA Somnath Bharti was today served notices by Delhi Commission for Women after his wife filed a complaint with it alleging domestic violence.

DCW chief Barkha Singh said Bharti has been asked to reply to the notices by June 26.

In her complaint, the MLA's wife Lipika Bharti accused him of domestic violence and mental torture.

"Me and my children are subject to harassment and torture -- mental, physical and oral -- by my husband Somnath Bharti... There is a persistent threat from my husband and his supporters," her complaint said.

Bharti, an MLA from Malviya Nagar and a lawyer by profession, chose not to comment on the allegations.

"She approached us this afternoon and lodged a complaint alleging assault and domestic violence by her husband Somnath Bharti since 2010. We have issued notices to Bharti asking him to appear before us by June 26. She now wants an end to the torture," the DCW chief said.

Singh said Lipika has been living in Dwarka separately for last three years and Bharti used to visit her.

On her part, Lipika said she has been going through difficult time since 2010.

"It would be difficult for me to summarise all these. It's going on for a long time. It has been going on since 2010. I want separation, I want to be out from this marriage. I want to live with dignity with my children. It has been a continuous process through which I was going through," said his wife.

Asked to comment, an AAP spokesperson called it a personal issue. Bharti was Law Minister during AAP's first stint of 49 days.

He had courted controversy for an alleged crackdown on a prostitution ring in his constituency during his ministership.