Delhi, May 18, 2024: In a shocking turn of events, Bibhav Kumar, the personal assistant to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, was arrested by the Delhi Police for allegedly assaulting Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Swati Maliwal. The incident took place inside the Chief Minister’s residence in the national capital.
Prior to his arrest, Bibhav Kumar sent an email to Delhi Police, saying he was ready to cooperate with investigations even though he had not received any notice from police.
“It has come to the knowledge of the undersigned through the media that a case… has been registered at PS Civil Lines in which the undersigned has been named as an accused. Those undersigned have not been served with any notice in the case till now. The undersigned categorically submits that he is willing to cooperate and join the investigation as and when called upon to do so by the investigating officer,” Kumar said in a mail.
At the same time, he referred to a complaint filed by him against Maliwal and said, “It is requested that the same be brought on record and investigated in accordance with the law.”
Background:
- Bibhav Kumar has been a close aide and manager to Arvind Kejriwal, serving both in personal and political capacities.
- Initially associated with the NGO “Kabir,” run by former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, Kumar later became Kejriwal’s private secretary in 2015.
- His services were terminated by the Directorate of Vigilance in April of this year due to alleged irregularities in the excise policy and other issues.
- Swati Maliwal, former chairperson of the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW), accused Kumar of physically assaulting her, leading to his arrest.
The Alleged Incident:
- According to Swati Maliwal, Kumar repeatedly slapped and kicked her in the stomach and pelvic area during an altercation.
- In response, Kumar filed a police complaint against Maliwal, claiming that she had abused him with the intent of assault.
Political Fallout by Arvind Kejriwal
- The AAP admitted that Kumar had “misbehaved” with Maliwal but accused her of targeting Kejriwal at the behest of the BJP.
- Atishi, a prominent AAP member, alleged that the BJP orchestrated the FIR against Maliwal using an old Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) case.
- Videos surfaced on social media showing Maliwal arguing with security personnel and leaving the CM’s residence.
Legal Action:
- The Delhi Police booked Kumar under stringent sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) following Maliwal’s complaint.
- The charges against Kumar are serious, and the case has drawn significant attention.
Conclusion:
- As the investigation unfolds, questions arise about the dynamics within the AAP and the political implications of this incident.
- The arrest of Kejriwal’s trusted aide has sent shockwaves through the party and raised concerns about the safety of women in positions of power.
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Nikhil Malhotra 
