The BJP has targeted AAP accusing it of trying to cover up the incident wherein its Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal was assaulted at Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's house by his personal assistant Bibhav Kumar.
Accusing AAP of "whitewashing" and "covering up" the case, Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva said AAP delayed in taking cognizance of the complaint. Sachdeva added that Maliwal is being silenced due to political pressure and efforts were being made to whitewash the matter.
"It took 36 hours for AAP leader Sanjay Singh to say that the party has taken cognizance of the matter. A woman has alleged assault in the Delhi Chief Minister’s residence and the party is saying they have taken cognizance after 36 hours. This shows how insensitive the AAP is," Sachdeva alleged.
He also questioned the delay in taking action over the assault. "It is clear that efforts are being made to whitewash the matter. Swati Maliwal is being silenced due to political pressure and all efforts are made to cover the case," alleged Sachdeva.
The state BJP chief suggested that the probe has to be on who instigated the attack on Maliwal. "Bibhav Kumar was a personal assistant to Arvind Kejriwal. All the work was handled by him. He could not have done this all himself," he said.
Sachdeva said that despite being outspoken Swati Maliwal is silent about the incident, which indicates the amount of pressure on her. "Sanjay Singh accepted the alleged assault after 36 hours. He should have approached the police himself. Any such incident in Delhi or anywhere across the country calls for immediate action. The accused should be punished and strict action must be taken," he said.
Meanwhile, Maliwal's ex-husband Naveen Jaihind said Maliwal's life was "under threat", adding that AAP leader Sanjay Singh should stop doing drama in front of the cameras as he is "aware of everything".
Adding that the alleged assault on her happened at the "instructions of someone", Maliwal said the incident was "planned".
According to the Delhi Police, they were waiting for her to come and file a formal complaint. Officials told PTI that they are yet to close the DD (daily diary) entry as Maliwal had come to the police station on Monday and said she would return to lodge a case.
Maliwal has not yet responded to the allegations.
