The Delhi Police filed a 500-page charge sheet on Tuesday against Bibhav Kumar, an aide to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, in connection with the alleged assault of AAP MP Swati Maliwal. The charge sheet was presented before Metropolitan Magistrate Gaurav Goyal, who extended Kumar's judicial custody until July 30.
Accusations and charges
Kumar is accused of assaulting AAP Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal on May 13 at the chief minister's official residence. The charge sheet includes statements from about 50 witnesses and invokes various sections of the Indian Penal Code, such as:
- Section 201: Causing disappearance of evidence of offence
- Section 308: Attempt to commit culpable homicide
- Section 341: Wrongful restraint
- Section 354: Assault or criminal force to a woman with intent to outrage her modesty
- Section 354B: Assault or use of criminal force against a woman with the intent to disrobe her
- Section 506: Criminal intimidation
- Section 509: Insult caused to the modesty of a woman by the use of words, gestures, or objects.
Judicial proceedings and custody
Following the FIR on May 16, Kumar was arrested on May 18 and initially placed in police custody for five days. Subsequent judicial proceedings are extended his custody multiple times. A team led by a female additional DCP-level officer has been investigating the case.
Bail denied
Last Friday, the Delhi High Court denied Kumar's bail, citing his considerable influence. The judge expressed concerns that Kumar's release could lead to witness tampering or evidence being compromised.
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