Domestic violence case: Somnath Bharti must cooperate in probe, says Barkha Shukla

Former Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chairperson Barkha Shukla Singh on Saturday said the troubles of AAP MLA Somnath Bharti, who has been accused of domestic violence by his wife Lipika Mitra, would increase if he does not cooperate in the investigation.

"He did not cooperate initially also in the investigation and that is why this matter has now become serious. He should abide by the laws instead of running away from it," Shukla told ANI here.

"Somnath Bharti's wife is not a kid that she would come under somebody's influence, she has presented all the proofs. If Somnath Bharti runs away from the laws, it will only increase his troubles," she added.

The Delhi Police is likely to issue another notice to Bharti to join the probe in the domestic violence case leveled against him by his wife.

A notice was issued to Bharti yesterday, but he did not turn up for the probe.

The police have said that Bharti is evading the probe and, therefore, the notice is likely to be affixed at his residence.

The Delhi Police had registered a case against the AAP leader after he was accused of domestic violence and mental torture by his wife.

The case was registered against Bharti under Sections 307, 323 and 498A of the Indian Penal Code.

Lipika has been married to Bharti since 2010, but has been living separately from him since 2012 along with the couple's two children in a rented accommodation in Dwarka.