Delhi High Court Upholds Bibhav Kumar's Arrest In Swati Maliwal Assault Case, SC Too Criticised Arvind Kejriwal's Aide

Rejecting the plea filed by Bibhav Kumar in the Swati Maliwal assault case, the Delhi High Court upheld the arrest of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's close aide during the Friday (2 August) hearing.

Kumar had challenged his arrest by the Delhi Police on 18 May, calling it "illegal" and seeking compensation for it. His plea was rejected by Justice Neena Bansal Krishna.

Earlier, the Delhi High Court had rejected his bail plea. After which he moved Supreme Court. The apex court has issued a notice against him. The trial court has also denied him bail twice.

The Delhi Police claimed that Kumar has consistently been uncooperative throughout the investigation, providing evasive responses to questions.

They further alleged that he intentionally withheld the password to his mobile phone, which is crucial for uncovering the truth in the probe.

The Supreme Court also came down heavily on Kumar and said, "He acted like some goon had entered the official residence of the CM. Is this kind of goon supposed to work in the CM's residence?"

Kumar is accused of assaulting Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Maliwal on 13 May at the Delhi CM's official residence, when Kejriwal was out on bail. He was arrested based on an FIR registered on 16 May.

Charges against him are related to criminal intimidation, assault or criminal force on a woman with the intent to disrobe and attempt to commit culpable homicide.

Maliwal had alleged that Kumar kicked her in the chest, stomach, and pelvic area before "brutally dragging" her. Kejriwal, who initially remained silent on the matter, later called for a fair investigation into the incident.