A court in Delhi has officially taken cognisance of the charge sheet filed against Arvind Kejriwal’s aide, Bibhav Kumar, in connection with the alleged assault of AAP MP Swati Maliwal. The incident reportedly occurred on May 13 at the Chief Minister’s official residence. Metropolitan Magistrate Gaurav Goyal has scheduled the next hearing for August 24, when the scrutiny of the documents presented in the 500-page charge sheet will commence.
The charge sheet, which includes the statements of approximately 50 witnesses, details the events leading to the accusations against Kumar. The charges levied against him include causing the disappearance of evidence of an offence, attempt to commit culpable homicide, wrongful restraint, and several others focusing on the assault and criminal force against a woman, specifically aimed to outrage and insult her modesty.
Key pieces of evidence cited in the charge sheet include digital and network video recordings from Kejriwalโs residence and Kumarโs mobile phone and SIM card. These items were seized and have been crucial in the ongoing investigation.
The case first came to light with the registration of an FIR on May 16 at the Civil Lines Police Station, followed by Kumar’s arrest on May 18. Initially placed in police custody for five days, Kumar’s legal proceedings saw him moving between police and judicial custody as investigations continued.
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The seriousness of the allegations is underscored by the appointment of a female additional DCP-level officer to lead the investigative team, emphasizing the need for a sensitive approach to the case involving assault accusations made by a female parliamentarian.
