'Goon At Delhi CM's Residence': Supreme Court Comes Down Heavily On Kejriwal's Aide In Swati Maliwal Assault Case

A notice was issued to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's close aide Bibhav Kumar in the Swati Maliwal assault case by the Supreme Court on Thursday (1 August).

Representing Kumar, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi argued that Rajya Sabha MP Maliwal's case against Kejriwal's aide is false but the bench of Justices Surya Kant, Dipankar Datta and Ujjal Bhuyan did not agree.

Referring to Maliwal's call to emergency services on 112 number, Justice Kant said, "The call belies your submission that the case was concocted."

Coming down heavily on Kumar, the bench 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?"

Acknowledging that bails are granted to contract killers, murderers and robbers, the bench noted that it is a different case and said, "Is this a way to deal with a young lady? He assaulted her even after she told him about her physical condition."

Kumar is accused of assaulting Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Maliwal on 13 May at the Delhi CM's official residence, when Kejriwal was out on bail. He was arrested on 18 May after the FIR was 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.

Earlier, the Delhi High Court denied Kumar's bail plea, after which he moved the Supreme Court on 12 July. The apex court will hear the matter on next Wednesday.

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.