Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Swati Maliwal has reported receiving rape and death threats following an alleged assault by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s aide, Bibhav Kumar. Maliwal also criticized YouTuber Dhruv Rathee for sharing a “one-sided video” against her, which she claims worsened the threats.
She tweeted on Sunday, stating that the threats began after AAP leaders and volunteers launched a campaign of character assassination and victim shaming against her. The situation intensified after Rathee’s video.
Maliwal condemned independent journalists like Rathee, accusing them of acting as AAP spokespersons and contributing to the abuse and threats she now faces.
Swati Maliwal Alleges Rape and Death Threats
Swati Maliwal, an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP, reported on Sunday that she has been receiving rape and death threats. She claims these threats are a result of a ‘character assassination’ campaign allegedly started by some AAP leaders and volunteers.
Maliwal also accused YouTuber Dhruv Rathee of intensifying the hate campaign by posting a biased video against her.
She shared screenshots of the abusive messages and threats on her X handle, stating that her own party members are behind the character assassination and victim-shaming efforts.
Maliwal expressed, “After the leaders and volunteers of my party i.e. AAP orchestrated a campaign of character assassination, victim shaming and fanning of emotions against me, I have been getting rape and death threats. This got further exacerbated when YouTuber @Dhruv_Rathee posted a one-sided video against me.”
After the leaders and volunteers of my party i.e. AAP orchestrated a campaign of charachter assassination, victim shaming and fanning of emotions against me, I have been getting rape and death threats.
This got further exacerbated when YouTuber @Dhruv_Rathee posted a one-sided… pic.twitter.com/EfCHHWW0xu
— Swati Maliwal (@SwatiJaiHind) May 26, 2024Also Read: AAP Admits Misconduct by Arvind Kejriwal’s Aide Towards Swati Maliwal
Ex-DCW Chief Alleges Intimidation
The former chief of the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) has alleged that the party leadership is pressuring her to withdraw her complaint against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s aide, Bibhav Kumar.
She also expressed disappointment with a YouTuber, accusing him of ignoring her attempts to share her side of the story. She claimed that the YouTuber, who presents himself as an independent journalist, is actually an AAP spokesperson and is shaming her instead of supporting her.
Regarding the party leadership, she stated, “It’s clear they are trying to intimidate me into withdrawing my complaint. I tried reaching out to Dhruv to share my side, but he ignored my calls and messages. It’s disgraceful that he, claiming to be an independent journalist, behaves like an AAP spokesperson and victim shames me, leading to severe abuse and threats.”
Additionally, the AAP MP outlined key points, questioning why Rathee didn’t mention that AAP initially accepted the incident before reversing their stance or discuss her medicolegal case (MLC) report that confirmed injuries from the assault in his 2.5-minute video.
Swati Maliwal Exposes Missing Facts
aliwal pointed out several crucial facts missing from a short video attacking her:
- The party changed its stance after initially acknowledging the incident.
- A report from an MLC revealed injuries from the assault.
- Only a selected part of the video was released, and the accused’s phone was reset afterward.
- Despite being arrested at the CM’s house, the accused was allowed to re-enter, raising suspicions of evidence tampering.
- She questioned how someone like her, who has always championed just causes and even traveled alone to Manipur without security, could suddenly be swayed by the BJP.
She emphasized reporting threats to the police and urged for strong action against the perpetrators, expressing disappointment in how her party and its supporters have attempted to discredit her on women’s issues.
Maliwal accused Bibhav Kumar of physically assaulting her, alleging he slapped her multiple times, kicked her in sensitive areas, and threatened her life during a meeting with Kejriwal.
The AAP refutes these claims, alleging that Maliwal is being coerced by the BJP into fabricating stories to serve their agenda.
Also Read: Swati Maliwal Claims Assault At Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal Residence
Swati Maliwal Alleges Rape and Death Threats FAQs
Q.1. Why is Swati Maliwal receiving threats?
Ans. Maliwal alleges threats stem from character assassination by AAP members after an alleged assault.
Q.2. Who is accused of intensifying the hate campaign?
Ans. YouTuber Dhruv Rathee is accused of exacerbating the situation by sharing biased content against Maliwal.
Q.3. What is Swati Maliwal’s response to the situation?
Ans. Maliwal condemns AAP leaders for orchestrating character assassination and victim shaming. She also reports the threats to the police.
Q.4. What key facts did Maliwal highlight in response to the video against her?
Ans. Maliwal points out missing facts like the party’s changing stance, injuries confirmed in an MLC report, and suspicions of evidence tampering.
Q.5. Who does Maliwal accuse of assaulting her?
Ans. Maliwal alleges assault by Delhi CM’s aide, Bibhav Kumar, claiming he physically harmed her and threatened her life.
