bibhav-seeks-bail-from-delhi-hc-in-assault-case

Bibhav Kumar, a former aide to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, has approached the Delhi High Court for regular bail in the alleged assault case involving Swati Maliwal. The case is expected to be listed for hearing on Friday. This move comes after the Tis Hazari Court recently dismissed his bail plea.

 

The Tis Hazari Court denied Kumar's bail application due to concerns over threats received by Swati Maliwal, the victim, and fears that Kumar might influence the witnesses if released.

 

In the court's order on June 7, Special Judge Ekta Gauba Mann stated, “In view of the fact that the investigation is at an initial stage and there is a fear in the mind of the victim regarding her security as well as the security of her family members…. There is also apprehension that the accused Bibhav Kumar would influence the witnesses, if at liberty.”

 

The victim, Swati Maliwal, has alleged that her family and extended family members have been receiving continuous threats. She expressed her fear for her life and the safety of her family if Kumar is granted bail.

 

This was a significant factor in the court's decision to deny bail, as it found merit in the victim’s concerns about potential influence and threats from the accused.

 

This is the second time Bibhav Kumar's bail plea has been dismissed. His initial bail plea was rejected on May 27. In his defence, Kumar’s counsel argued that he has been the Personal Assistant (PA) to the Chief Minister since 2010, before Kejriwal became the CM, and that his role is limited to arranging appointments as directed by the CM.

 

The defence also referred to a complaint filed by an assistant section officer at the CM’s residence regarding the timings of the arrival of both the victim and the accused on the day of the incident.

 

However, the victim strongly opposed the bail, highlighting Kumar’s influence and the subsequent victim-shaming and character assassination she has faced from leaders of her political party and cabinet ministers. She claimed that after filing the complaint against Kumar, she was ostracised by her party.

 

The victim also mentioned that a fake video was created by the accused after the incident, which was doctored and edited to mislead the investigation.

 

Additional Public Prosecutor Atul Srivastava also opposed the bail application, citing ongoing investigations and emphasising Kumar’s influential status. Srivastava noted that there is another case pending against Kumar in Noida and that granting him bail could hinder the investigation.

 

The court was also informed by the Investigating Officer that there is no proper register maintained for appointments to meet the CM at his residence, adding to the complexity of the case.

 

As the Delhi High Court prepares to hear Bibhav Kumar's bail plea, the focus remains on ensuring that the investigation proceeds without any interference and that the safety of the victim and her family is maintained.

 

The outcome of this bail application will be closely watched, given the high-profile nature of the case and the serious allegations involved.