Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s aide, Bibhav Kumar, has approached the Supreme Court seeking bail in the AAP Rajya Sabha member Swati Maliwal assault case.
According to the apex court website, Kumar filed the bail plea on July 19, which was registered on July 24. He is challenging the July 12 order of the Delhi High Court that denied him bail, asserting that the allegations against him are false. Kumar also contends that his custody is no longer necessary as the investigation is complete.
Kumar, who serves as Kejriwal’s personal secretary, is currently in judicial custody. He allegedly assaulted Maliwal on May 13 at Kejriwal’s official residence.
An FIR was filed against him on May 16 under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including those related to criminal intimidation, assault or using criminal force on a woman with the intent to disrobe, and attempt to commit culpable homicide. He was arrested on May 18.
In denying bail, the high court noted that the accused holds “considerable influence” and found no grounds to grant him relief.
The high court stated that there is a risk that witnesses could be influenced or evidence tampered with if Kumar were released on bail.
