[Swati Maliwal Assault Case] Bibhav Kumar Seeks Regular Bail From Delhi HC

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Bibhav Kumar, a former aide to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, has approached the Delhi High Court seeking regular bail in the alleged assault case involving Swati Maliwal. The court is expected to hear the matter on Friday(14th June).

[Swati Maliwal Assault Case] Bibhav Kumar Seeks Regular Bail from Delhi HC

New Delhi [India], June 12: Bibhav Kumar, a former aide to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, has approached the Delhi High Court seeking regular bail in the alleged assault case involving Swati Maliwal. The court is expected to hear the matter on Friday(14th June).

Recently, Delhi’s Tis Hazari Court rejected Kumar’s regular bail plea, citing threats received by the victim, Swati Maliwal, and concerns that Kumar might influence witnesses.

In its June 7 order, Special Judge Ekta Gauba Mann stated,

“Considering the investigation is at an early stage and the victim fears for her and her family’s safety… There is also a concern that the accused, Bibhav Kumar, would influence the witnesses if released.”

Maliwal has reported continuous threats to her family and extended family, expressing fear for their lives if Kumar is granted bail. She strongly opposed his bail application, marking this as the second rejection after an earlier denial on May 27.

The defense counsel argued that Kumar, who has been a personal assistant to the Chief Minister since 2010, merely follows directions regarding appointments and relied on a complaint from the assistant section officer at the CM’s residence regarding the timings of the victim and accused on May 13.

Maliwal countered, stating Kumar is influential and since her complaint, she has faced victim-shaming and ostracism from her political party. She also alleged that Kumar fabricated a video post-incident, which has no relevance to the incident’s timeline.

Additional Public Prosecutor (APP) Atul Srivastava opposed the bail, emphasizing the ongoing investigation and Kumar’s influential status. Srivastava noted a pending case against Kumar in Noida and criticized the lack of proper appointment records at the CM’s residence.

The Delhi High Court will consider Kumar’s bail application in light of these factors on Friday.