In a significant development, the Delhi court today extended the judicial custody of Bibhav Kumar, an aide to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, until September 13. Kumar faces charges related to the assault of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal. The incident allegedly occurred on May 13 at the Chief Minister’s official residence.
Judicial Magistrate Gaurav Goyal ordered the extension after Kumar was presented via video conferencing. The court has also demanded a response from the investigating officer concerning Kumar’s request for proper pagination and organization of the charge sheet and associated documents, which his counsel argues is necessary for an effective defense.
Rajat Bhardwaj, representing Kumar, emphasized the need for properly organized documentation to ensure a robust defense strategy. “The documentation needs to be streamlined to help us present our case effectively,” Bhardwaj stated.
The Delhi Police have compiled a substantial 500-page final report against Kumar, citing various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). These include Section 201 (causing the disappearance of evidence of offence), 308 (attempt to commit culpable homicide), 341 (wrongful restraint), and 354 (assault or criminal force to a woman with intent to outrage her modesty), among others. Charges under IPC sections 354B (assault or use of criminal force against a woman intending to disrobe), 506 (criminal intimidation), and 509 (insult to a woman’s modesty using words, gestures, or objects) are also leveled against him.
