FIR against DCW chief Swati Maliwal over allegations of hiring AAP supporters minus credentials

On 20 September, the capital's Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) filed an FIR against Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chief Swati Maliwal, levelling charges of hiring Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supporters without "requisite credentials".

On 19 September, the ACB questioned Maliwal for two hours. She was also asked to submit responses to about 27 questions within a week.

The ACB had been probing the matter since the last two-three months and based on the questioning of Maliwal's employees, it was found that due procedure "was not followed in appointments," said the officer, adding that a total of 91 appointments were found to be made without allegedly following due process.

Barkha Singh, former DCW chief, alleged that Maliwal violated recruitment norms to hire AAP supporters in the women's panel.

Defending herself, Maliwal stated that the DCW has handled over 11,500 cases within a year, thereby irking many with its efficiency. She, in turn, alleged that Singh has appointed wives of IAS and IPS officers, without any advertisement. She further stated that the charges are baseless as all members have been appointed following due procedures and documents for the same will be given to the ACB.

"In one year, we have handled 11,500 cases and attended 2.25 lakh calls on helpline number 181. The former DCW chief handled only one case. DCW asks questions whenever a rape is reported. This is disturbing a lot of people. But we will continue to raise questions," said Maliwal.

A case under sections 13(D) of Prevention of Corruption Act, 409 (criminal breach of trust) and 120B (punishment of criminal conspiracy) of the IPC has been registered against Maliwal.

This is the latest case in the current ongoing battle between the Centre and Delhi's AAP government.

- With PTI inputs