In a significant development, the Delhi Police on Tuesday filed a detailed 500-page charge sheet against Arvind Kejriwal’s aide Bibhav Kumar concerning the alleged assault on AAP MP Swati Maliwal. The charge sheet was presented before Metropolitan Magistrate Gaurav Goyal, who subsequently extended Kumar’s judicial custody until July 30.
The incident, which drew widespread attention, reportedly occurred on May 13 at the Chief Minister’s official residence, implicating Kumar in the assault of Swati Maliwal, an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP.
During the court proceedings, the prosecution emphasized the comprehensiveness of the charge sheet, which includes statements from approximately 50 witnesses. The allegations against Kumar are severe, with charges framed under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). These include section 201 (causing disappearance of evidence of an offense), 308 (attempt to commit culpable homicide), and notably, sections 354 (assault or criminal force to a woman with intent to outrage her modesty) and 354B (assault or use of criminal force against a woman with the intent to disrobe).
Kumar’s legal troubles began shortly after the FIR was lodged on May 16 at the Civil Lines Police Station, leading to his arrest on May 18. His subsequent legal proceedings have seen him oscillating between police and judicial custody, reflecting the seriousness of the charges and judicial concern over the potential influence he could wield if released on bail.
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The investigation, spearheaded by a female additional DCP-level officer, aims to maintain a meticulous and unbiased examination of the events as they unfolded. The Delhi High Court, in its ruling last Friday, denied Kumar bail, citing his “considerable influence” and the potential risk of witness tampering or evidence manipulation.
