In the aftermath of the attack on AAP Rajya Sabha member Swati Maliwal, Delhi Lt Governor V.K. Saxena expressed on Tuesday that if such an incident had occurred at any other Chief Minister’s residence, external forces with vested interests, hostile to India, would have likely unleashed a harsh global narrative regarding women's safety in the country.
“I have been deeply troubled by the media narrative over the last few days concerning the alleged assault on AAP MP Maliwal at the Chief Minister’s residence, where she went alone to meet him. Yesterday, she called me in great distress, detailing her traumatic experience and the subsequent intimidation and humiliation she faces from her colleagues. She also raised concerns about alleged evidence tampering and coercion against her,” Saxena stated.
Saxena emphasized that despite Maliwal being “vociferous, hostile, and blatantly partisan” towards him and his office, frequently criticizing him unjustifiably, any physical violence and harassment against her is inexcusable and unacceptable.
“It is deeply disturbing to note that the alleged crime scene was the drawing room of the Chief Minister, even while he was in the house, and it was committed by his closest aide against a woman who was alone,” he remarked.
The LG mentioned that another Rajya Sabha member corroborated Maliwal’s account in full media view and assured that the Chief Minister would take strict action against his aide, the perpetrator.
“Subsequently, there was a complete reversal in the matter, apparently influenced by the highest authority. This is both inexplicable and baffling. I would have expected that, at least for the sake of propriety, my Chief Minister would have been transparent rather than evasive. His overwhelming silence speaks volumes about his stance on women’s safety,” he added, noting that such disgraceful incidents and the insensitive and conspiratorial government response damage India’s reputation globally.
“Delhi Police is investigating the matter, and I assure you that the case will reach its logical conclusion,” the LG concluded.
In response, AAP leader and Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj brought up the issue of female wrestlers protesting against former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
“Saxena Saab (Delhi LG), perhaps you have forgotten the wrestler daughters who won medals for the country and were staging a ‘dharna’ at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. They sat through the sun and rain,” he posted in Hindi on X.
“They had to file an FIR alleging that BJP MP Brij Bhushan had repeatedly sexually exploited them. At that time, the Delhi Police under your command did not even register an FIR. Tell me, why was it not registered? The FIR was only filed after the Supreme Court's orders…”
“But even with a case under Section 354, the BJP MP was not arrested for a single day. Delhi Police is under your authority; tell me, why was he not arrested? Why were you silent on the whole issue? Why didn’t you meet them? Were you not concerned about the international image of Delhi and India then? The police under your command brutally assaulted these daughters at midnight. What action did you take? That same night, Swati Maliwal was also dragged on the road by the police. What action did you take? ‘Thoda girebaan mein jhankiye’ (Introspect on your actions),” he added.
