Delhi Court Extends Judicial Custody of Arvind Kejriwal 's Aide Bibhav Kumar in Swati Maliwal Assault Case

Tis Hazari Court Extends Custody Until July 16

In a significant development in the ongoing Swati Maliwal assault case, a Delhi court has extended the judicial custody of Bibhav Kumar , an aide to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal , until July 16. Kumar is accused of assaulting Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal at the chief minister's official residence on May 13.

The decision to extend Kumar 's judicial custody was made by Metropolitan Magistrate Gaurav Goyal at the Tis Hazari court. Kumar 's appearance in court was facilitated through video conferencing, as the investigation into the assault case continues.

Allegations and Charges

According to the allegations, Kumar is accused of assaulting Swati Maliwal , a prominent figure in the AAP party and the former chairperson of the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW). The incident reportedly took place at the chief minister's official residence on May 13.

Following the alleged assault, Kumar was arrested by the Delhi Police on May 18. A magisterial court initially placed him in police custody for five days, observing that his anticipatory bail plea had become infructuous due to the arrest.

On May 24, Kumar was sent to four days of judicial custody, and he was later remanded in police custody for an additional three days. An FIR was registered against him on May 16, under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code, including those related to criminal intimidation, assault or criminal force on a woman with the intent to disrobe, and attempt to commit culpable homicide.

Maliwal 's Allegations and Party Reaction

In the aftermath of the incident, Swati Maliwal has lashed out at her own party, the AAP, for siding with Kumar and leaving her "alone in the entire battle." Maliwal , who has been working extensively for the Delhi Commission of Women, has expressed her disappointment with the party's response.

Maliwal has noted that Kumar had accompanied Arvind Kejriwal during his visits to Lucknow and Amritsar for campaigning in the Lok Sabha elections. She has accused the party of using its resources and leadership to portray Kumar as the "hero" and herself as the "villain" in the case.

Ongoing Investigation and Legal Proceedings

The extension of Bibhav Kumar 's judicial custody until July 16 indicates that the investigation into the alleged assault case is still ongoing. The court's decision underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the need for a thorough examination of the evidence.

As the legal proceedings continue, the case has garnered significant attention, with the political dynamics and the alleged assault on a prominent AAP member adding to the complexity of the situation. The outcome of this case is likely to have far-reaching implications, both for the individuals involved and the broader political landscape in Delhi.