Popular YouTuber Dhruv Rathee has recently found himself embroiled in controversy following allegations from Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal. Maliwal has claimed that she has been receiving rape and death threats after Rathee posted a video concerning an alleged assault on her by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s aide, Bibhav Kumar.
Dhruv Rathee’s Response
Taking to social media platform X, Rathee rejected these “fake allegations,” stating that attempts to defame him are ongoing but have become routine. Rathee emphasized that the true perpetrators are pretending to be victims, and he implied that there is a deliberate campaign to silence him. He asserted that silencing him would only lead to the emergence of many more voices like his.
Swati Maliwal’s Allegations
Swati Maliwal has accused the AAP and its volunteers of orchestrating a character assassination campaign against her. She stated that the situation worsened after Rathee’s video, which she described as one-sided. Maliwal shared screenshots of abusive messages she received and highlighted the escalation of threats post-Rathee’s video. She further alleged that the AAP was trying to intimidate her into dropping her complaint against Bibhav Kumar, who has been arrested in connection with the alleged assault.
Background of the Alleged Assault
The incident in question occurred on May 13 at Arvind Kejriwal’s official residence, where Maliwal claimed that Bibhav Kumar slapped and kicked her multiple times and issued death threats. Kumar was arrested by the Delhi Police on May 18 following these allegations.
Rathee has stood firm against the allegations, maintaining his position as an independent journalist. Maliwal, on the other hand, has expressed disappointment over Rathee’s stance and his refusal to communicate with her regarding the matter. The public reaction has been mixed, with some supporting Maliwal’s claims and others backing Rathee’s defense against the allegations.
The Political Implications and Reactions
Impact on AAP
This controversy comes at a critical time for the AAP, adding to the political tension surrounding the party. The allegations and subsequent threats have put the party’s internal dynamics under scrutiny, particularly in how it handles conflicts and allegations within its ranks.
The incident highlights the often volatile nature of political discourse in India, especially when it involves high-profile figures and sensitive allegations. It underscores the challenges faced by public figures in navigating threats and defamation campaigns while maintaining their public roles and responsibilities.
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