Delhi Police filed a chargesheet on Tuesday in the Tis Hazari Court against Bibhav Kumar, an associate of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, in the case of the alleged attack on Aam Aadmi Party Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal. After taking cognizance of the chargesheet, the Tis Hazari Court will consider the case on July 30. Kumar has been named as the accused in the chargesheet. The court also extended Kumar's judicial custody until July 30. Kumar was presented via videoconferencing today. Delhi Police informed the court that approximately 100 people were interrogated, and 50 were made witnesses.
Multiple Sections Added in the Chargesheet
Several sections have been added in the chargesheet, including 341 (wrongful restraint), 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 354B (assault intending to disrobe a woman), 506 (punishment for criminal intimidation), 509, and 201 (causing disappearance of evidence).
Kumar Taken to Mumbai Twice
During police custody, Kumar was allegedly taken twice to Mumbai to recover deleted data from his mobile phone. Maliwal alleged in the FIR that on May 13, when she went to Kejriwal's residence, Kumar slapped her 7-8 times and kicked her in the chest, stomach, and waist.
What were Swati Maliwal's Allegations?
Former Delhi Commission for Women chief Swati Maliwal alleged in the FIR, 'Suddenly... Kumar barged into the room. He started yelling at me without any provocation. He also began to abuse me. I was stunned by his behavior... I told him to stop talking to me like that and call the Chief Minister.'
Bail Denied by the High Court
On July 12, the Delhi High Court refused to grant bail to Bibhav Kumar, stating that he has 'considerable influence' and that there was no ground to grant him relief. The judge said, 'It cannot be ruled out that if the petitioner is released on bail, he could influence witnesses or tamper with evidence.'
The judge said, 'Considering the nature of allegations and the apprehension of influencing witnesses, there is no basis to release the petitioner on bail at this stage. Hence, the application is dismissed.'
