Swati Maliwal Gets Rape and Death Threats: Blames YouTuber Dhruv Rathee and AAP

In a distressing turn of events, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal has publicly disclosed receiving rape and death threats. 

This alarming situation follows a campaign of character assassination and victim shaming, which Maliwal alleges is being orchestrated by members of her own party and exacerbated by YouTuber Dhruv Rathee.

The Allegations

Swati Maliwal, known for her tenure as the former Chief of the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW), claims that the threats began after she lodged a complaint against Bibhav Kumar, an aide to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. 

According to Maliwal, Kumar physically assaulted her during a meeting at Kejriwal’s official residence, an incident that led to his arrest by Delhi Police under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including assault and criminal intimidation.

Maliwal has stated that since making her complaint, she has been subjected to severe online harassment, including rape and death threats. 

She has attributed this harassment to a targeted campaign led by AAP leaders and volunteers. 

The situation deteriorated further when Dhruv Rathee, a popular YouTuber known for his political commentary, posted a video that Maliwal describes as one-sided and defamatory.

Dhruv Rathee’s Role

In her public statements, Maliwal expressed deep disappointment with Dhruv Rathee. 

She accused him of escalating the hate campaign against her by releasing a video that only presented one side of the story. 

Maliwal revealed that despite her efforts to reach out to Rathee to share her perspective, he ignored her calls and messages. 

She accused Rathee of acting like an AAP spokesperson rather than an independent journalist, contributing to her victim shaming.

Maliwal listed several critical points that Rathee allegedly omitted in his video:

1. AAP's initial acceptance and subsequent U-turn on the incident.

2. The medicolegal case (MLC) report detailing her injuries from the assault.

3. The selective release of video footage and subsequent formatting of the accused's phone.

4. The accused’s arrest at the crime scene and the inexplicable permission for him to re-enter the location, raising concerns about evidence tampering.

5. The implausibility of her being influenced by the BJP, given her history of standing up for right causes and undertaking dangerous missions alone.

The Broader Implications

Maliwal's revelations have significant implications for both AAP and Dhruv Rathee. 

For AAP, the accusations of internal victim shaming and attempts to silence a party member through intimidation are particularly damaging, given the party's public stance on women's issues and justice. 

The situation also casts a shadow on Dhruv Rathee’s credibility as an independent journalist, raising questions about his impartiality and the ethical standards of his reporting.

Call for Action

In light of these threats, Maliwal has reported the matter to Delhi Police, urging them to take stringent action against those responsible for the harassment. 

She condemned the party machinery and its supporters for their attempts to vilify her, emphasizing that such behavior speaks volumes about their actual stance on women's issues.

"The manner in which the entire party machinery and its supporters have attempted to vilify and shame me speaks volumes about their stand on women’s issues. 

I am reporting these rape and death threats to @DelhiPolice. I hope they take strong action against the perpetrators,” Maliwal asserted.

Swati Maliwal's courageous stand and her exposure of the threats she faces highlight serious concerns about internal politics within AAP and the responsibilities of public commentators like Dhruv Rathee. 

This episode underscores the need for accountability, transparency, and a steadfast commitment to justice, particularly concerning issues of women's safety and dignity. 

As this situation unfolds, it remains crucial for all involved to prioritize truth and justice over political or personal gains.