Swati Maliwal faces threats following controversial video by Dhruv Rathee

Swati Maliwal, an AAP Rajya Sabha MP, has reported receiving a series of rape and death threats following a video posted by YouTuber Dhruv Rathee, which she describes as a one-sided attack against her. Maliwal attributes the escalation in threats to a broader “character assassination” campaign led by leaders and volunteers from her own party, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

Escalation After YouTube Video

The controversy intensified after Dhruv Rathee released a video that Maliwal claims failed to present a balanced view of the situation. She took to X (formerly Twitter) to express her distress, stating, “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.”

Maliwal’s Response to Threats

Maliwal criticized the party leadership for their attempts to intimidate her into withdrawing her complaint and expressed her disappointment with Rathee for ignoring her attempts to contact him to share her side of the story. “It is shameful that people like him, who claim to be independent journalists, could act like other AAP spokespersons and victim-shame me to the extent that I am now facing extreme abuses and threats,” she added.

Details Overlooked in Rathee’s Video

Maliwal pointed out several omissions in the YouTuber’s video, including:

– The AAP’s change in stance after initially acknowledging the incident.

– A medical report indicating injuries from the assault.

– The selective release of video footage followed by formatting the phone of the accused.

– Questions about the accused being arrested at the crime scene (Chief Minister’s house) and then allowed to re-enter, potentially for tampering with evidence.

Legal Developments and Maliwal’s Safety Concerns

In related developments, Bibhav Kumar, a former personal secretary to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, was arrested on May 18 in connection with Maliwal’s assault, which took place at Kejriwal’s residence on May 13. Following his arrest, Kumar sought bail, prompting a local court to issue a notice to Delhi Police for a response.

Maliwal has reported the threats to Delhi Police, urging them to take serious action against the perpetrators. She concluded with a solemn warning: “In any case, if something happens to me, we know who instigated it.”