Today, On 14th June, A Delhi Court extended the judicial custody of Bibhav Kumar, who is involved in the Swati Maliwal assault case, by one day. The extension comes as the investigation into the incident continues. Kumar’s custody was initially sought to gather further evidence and ensure a thorough examination of the case.
New Delhi: The Tis Hazari Court, On Friday, in Delhi extended the judicial custody of Bibhav Kumar, a former aide to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, for an additional day. Bibhav Kumar produced before the court via video conferencing after the expiration of his previous judicial custody in the Swati Maliwal assault case.
He initially remanded to judicial custody on May 31 following his interrogation in the alleged assault case involving AAP MP Swati Maliwal.
Duty Metropolitan Magistrate Gita extended the judicial custody of Bibhav Kumar until Saturday. The remand prolonged for one day due to the absence of the Investigation Officer. Advocate Karan Sharma represented Bibhav Kumar in court on Friday.
Kumar arrested on May 18 by the Delhi Police following a complaint lodged by Swati Maliwal on May 16, regarding an alleged assault incident that occurred on May 13. Recently, the Tis Hazari Court in Delhi rejected Kumar’s regular bail plea, citing threats to the victim, Swati Maliwal, and concerns about the accused potentially influencing witnesses.
While rejecting the bail application, the court noted,
“Considering the investigation is at an initial stage and the victim fears for her safety and that of her family. There is also a concern that the accused, Bibhav Kumar, might influence the witnesses if released.”
Special Judge Ekta Gauba Mann stated on June 7,
“Therefore, I find no merit in the bail application of the accused, Bibhav Kumar. Consequently, the present regular bail application of Bibhav Kumar is hereby dismissed.”
This is the second bail plea rejected by the court, with the first one being dismissed on May 27.
According to the allegations, the incident occurred on May 13 at the Chief Minister’s official residence in New Delhi. Maliwal claims that when she was waiting to meet Kejriwal, Kumar verbally accosted her, using abusive language and threats.
She also alleges that Kumar physically assaulted her, dragging her and slamming her head on a table.
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The case involving Bibhav Kumar and Swati Maliwal carries significant political implications, given Kumar’s association with Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi, and both individuals’ ties to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The denial of bail for Kumar has the potential to impact AAP’s political image and electoral prospects, particularly in the context of upcoming elections or public opinion.
In conclusion, the denial of bail for Bibhav Kumar in the assault case against Swati Maliwal carries significant legal, political, and socio-cultural implications. It reflects the judiciary’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability for alleged acts of violence, while also raising questions about the intersection of politics and justice in India.