Who is Swati Maliwal, AAP leader at the center of assault controversy?

Swati Maliwal was among the youngest to join Anna Hazare-led India Against Corruption (IAC) movement.

Published on: May 16, 2024, 18:23:25 IST

By HT News Desk

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Swati Maliwal, the Rajya Sabha MP from Aam Aadmi Party, is at the center of a massive controversy ahead of voting in Delhi for the Lok Sabha elections. The former Delhi women's panel chief has accused Bibhav Kumar, the personal secretary of Arvind Kejriwal of assaulting her at the Delhi chief minister's residence.

On Thursday, a Delhi Police team led by an additional commissioner of police (ACP) rank officer visited Maliwal's residence to gather details about the alleged incident.

Maliwal's allegations come at a time when the AAP is leaving no stone unturned to capitalise on the interim bail granted to Arvind Kejriwal by the Supreme Court ahead of the general elections. The AAP convenor, who was arrested on March 21 by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with the Delhi excise policy case, is on bail till June 2.

Here are five things you need to know about Swati Maliwal, one of the popular leaders of the AAP.

Swati Maliwal served as DCW chairperson from 2015 to 2024 before being elected to the Rajya Sabha. (HT File)

1. Born in Ghaziabad on October 15, 1984, Swati Maliwal, an IT graduate, was among the youngest to join Anna Hazare-led India Against Corruption (IAC) movement.

2. She attended Amity International School before earning a bachelor's degree in Information Technology from the JSS Academy of Technical Education. Swati Maliwal was married to AAP leader Naveen Jaihind. However, they have been divorced since February 2020.

3. Maliwal quit her job at HCL and joined the NGO ‘Parivartan’, led by Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia. In 2006, Kejriwal was conferred with the Ramon Magsaysay Award for his initiatives in empowering Indians to fight corruption.

4. Swati Maliwal was appointed as the chairperson of Delhi Commission for Women in 2015. She was granted an extension of three years in 2018.

5. In January this year, Swati Maliwal along with AAP colleagues ND Gupta and Sanjay Singh were elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha.

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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