DCW chief molestation case: Accused AAP member, sting done to defame Delhi Police, says BJP

Swati Maliwal, chairperson, DCW

The BJP on Friday raised questions over DCW chief Swati Maliwal's molestation claims, alleging that the person she accused is an AAP member and her "drama" was part of a conspiracy which has now been "exposed".

Several BJP leaders hit out at Maliwal, an Aam Aadmi Party appointee. An immediate reaction was not available from the AAP on the issue.

Maliwal, chairperson of the Delhi Commission for Women, had alleged that she was molested by a drunk man while on an inspection at night and dragged for 10-15 metres by his car outside AIIMS with her hand stuck in the vehicle's window. The accused, a 47-year-old man, was arrested.

BJP leader Shazia Ilmi tweeted that Maliwal's "drama" has been exposed. "@AamAadmiParty and... did a sting to defame Delhi and its police and serious questions arise on its credibility. Is cheap politics legitimate on the serious issue of women safety? she asked.

Also read: Delhi women's panel chief dragged by car for 10-15 metres near AIIMS, man arrested

Former DCW chief Barkha Shukla Singh said by indulging in such drama, Maliwal should not weaken women. Delhi BJP working president Virendra Sachdeva said Harish Chandra Suryavanshi, who was accused of harassing Maliwal, is actually a prominent activist of the Aam Aadmi Party in Sangam Vihar.

Sachdeva released a photo in which the accused is seen campaigning with AAP MLA Prakash Jarwal. Sachdeva said with the revelation of the photo and Suryavanshi's background, "it has become clear that the incident was a conspiracy of AAP to defame Delhi internationally by showing the city as an unsafe city for women".

Meanwhile, the National Commission for Women has sought a report from the Delhi police on the matter. "@NCWIndia has taken cognizance of the matter. The Commission is seeking report from @DelhiPolice and writing to take strict action against the accused," it said in a tweet. NCW chairperson Rekha Sharma tweeted, "Shocking incident. NCW is seeking report from Delhi Police and writing for strict action against the perpetrator."

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