NEW DELHI: The Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) on Wednesday issued summons to AAP leader Somnath Bharti after his wife complained that he had unleashed domestic violence.
"I cannot explain my trouble in a couple of words. It has been going on since 2010. I want to be out of this marriage," Bharti's wife Lipika Mitra said.
"I want separation and to live with my children with dignity," she added.
Taking cognizance of the matter, the DCW issued summons to Bharti, the former Delhi law minister in the 2013 Aam Aadmi Party government.
DCW chief Barkha Singh said: "His (Bharti's) wife is distressed and said she was beaten, verbally abused and given death threats. Her children were also harassed.
"We have summoned Bharti to appear before the DCW on June 26."
Responding to the allegations made by his wife, Bharti called all the charges baseless.
"All the allegations of domestic violence and assault are baseless and bear no substance," he said.
"It is very painful to know that my wife has gone to public forum regarding family matter. I always loved her," Bharti said adding "For 5 years she had been making demand that I have to choose between my mother and her."
Bharti's wife also reached Police Headquarters to meet police officials regarding domestic violence case.
"She met police; necessary investigation will be conducted," Delhi Police Commissioner B.S. Bassi said.
Reacting on the entire matter AAP leader Dilip Pandey said, "We will conduct investigation at our level in this case."