Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's parents are scheduled to be questioned by the Delhi Police at his official residence on Thursday morning regarding the alleged assault on AAP MP Swati Maliwal, according to party sources.
The incident has sparked a significant political controversy after Maliwal accused Bibhav Kumar, Kejriwal's personal assistant, of assaulting her at the Chief Minister's residence. Kumar was subsequently arrested.
AAP sources indicate that Kejriwal's parents requested the Delhi Police to come to their son's residence in the Civil Lines area at 11:30 am today for questioning.
Kejriwal mentioned on Wednesday that the police would be coming to question his "ill" parents. Sources also suggest that the police might question Kejriwal's wife, Sunita Kejriwal, regarding the alleged assault on Maliwal.
The police had sought to record the statements of Kejriwal's parents and wife at the Chief Minister's residence, according to sources.
In his initial reaction to the Swati Maliwal case, Kejriwal expressed his expectation for a fair investigation. Speaking to PTI, Kejriwal emphasized that the matter was "sub-judice" and that commenting on it might affect the legal proceedings.
"I expect a fair investigation. Justice should be served. There are two versions of the event. Police should investigate both versions fairly and ensure justice is done," Kejriwal stated.
Maliwal responded to Kejriwal's remarks, criticizing the handling of the situation and expressing her skepticism about the promise of a fair investigation.
"After facing a barrage of accusations, being labeled a BJP agent, character assassination, edited video leaks, victim shaming, and seeing the accused allowed to tamper with evidence, the Chief Minister, in whose residence I was assaulted, now calls for a free and fair investigation. This is deeply ironic and insincere," she tweeted.
Maliwal alleges that Kumar assaulted her on May 13 at Kejriwal's residence, continuing despite her informing him of her period. She reported physical soreness and difficulty walking following the assault.
Kejriwal confirmed that he was at his residence during the incident but clarified that he was not present at the scene of the assault.
Kumar was arrested by the Delhi Police on May 18, following Maliwal's complaint and the registration of an FIR. He was subsequently placed in judicial custody for five days.