Arvind Kejriwal’s Aide Bibhav Kumar’s Custody Extended Till July 16 in Swati Maliwal Assault Case

On Saturday, the Tis Hazari court in Delhi decided to extend the judicial custody of Bibhav Kumar, an aide of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, until July 16. Kumar has been in custody due to an alleged assault on Swati Maliwal, a Rajya Sabha member, which took place on May 13 at Kejriwal’s residence.

Bibhav Kumar was arrested on May 18, following Swati Maliwal’s allegations of assault. Maliwal’s complaint led to the filing of an FIR on May 16. Kumar’s first attempt at securing bail was denied on May 27. The court, at that time, stated that Maliwal’s allegations appeared genuine and not premeditated.

On June 7, Kumar’s request for bail was again turned down by the Tis Hazari court. The court cited the seriousness of the charges against him and expressed concerns that Kumar might influence the witnesses if released.

On July 1, the Delhi High Court acknowledged a plea from Kumar challenging his arrest. The High Court has asked the Delhi Police for their response to Kumar’s claims. Kumar argued that his arrest violated legal procedures and his fundamental rights, as his anticipatory bail plea was still pending.

The FIR against Kumar includes serious charges under the Indian Penal Code. These charges include criminal intimidation, assault with the intent to disrobe a woman, and an attempt to commit culpable homicide.

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In his plea, Kumar has requested that his arrest be declared illegal and in violation of Section 41A of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which deals with the notice of appearance before a police officer. He believes his arrest was made with an ulterior motive and violated his rights.

In addition, Kumar is seeking compensation for what he claims was an unlawful arrest. He has also called for departmental action against the officials responsible for his arrest.

The case continues to develop, with Kumar’s custody extended and his legal team challenging the circumstances of his arrest. The next court date is set for July 16, when further decisions regarding his custody and legal arguments will be made.