In a significant development, a Delhi court has denied bail to Bibhav Kumar, an aide to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who stands accused of assaulting Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Swati Maliwal. The decision came after a plea from Maliwal, who expressed concerns for her safety and her family’s if Kumar were released on bail.
Maliwal’s emotional plea in court highlighted the gravity of the situation, prompting the court to acknowledge the validity of her allegations. The court stated, “The allegations raised by the victim have to be taken at face value and cannot be swiped away.”
Addressing the defense’s argument of pre-meditation, the judge noted that there was no evidence supporting such claims. The delayed filing of the complaint, coupled with medical evidence corroborating the assault, pointed to the legitimacy of Maliwal’s claims.
The court’s decision to deny bail also considered the ongoing investigation’s early stage, highlighting concerns of evidence tampering or witness interference if Kumar were released.
Maliwal’s role as a member of Rajya Sabha and her previous leadership of the Delhi Women’s Commission added weight to her statements. She accused Kumar of assaulting her at the Chief Minister’s residence, detailing the incident as a physical attack that included attempts to tear her shirt.
On the defense side, Kumar’s counsel questioned the timing of the complaint and the police’s characterization of the incident, labeling it as an “afterthought” and disputing claims of attempted disrobing.
The case has taken on a political dimension, with AAP initially condemning Kumar’s behavior but later accusing Maliwal of being part of a conspiracy against Kejriwal. AAP’s shift in stance adds complexity to the case, with Kumar planning to challenge the bail refusal in the High Court.
Sources By Agencies
