Delhi Police Request Custody of Kejriwal's Aide in Assault Case

In a significant development from Delhi, the police have sought seven days custody of Arvind Kejriwal's aide, Bibhav Kumar, in connection with the alleged assault on AAP Rajya Sabha member Swati Maliwal. The request was made in a remand paper submitted late Saturday evening, highlighting the gravity of the case which they described as potentially fatal. Metropolitan Magistrate Gaurav Goyal, however, granted five-day police custody after being informed by the investigating agency that Kumar had been uncooperative and evasive in his responses.

The case has drawn attention due to the severity of the allegations, with the remand paper detailing a brutal assault on Maliwal that included screaming, threats, abusive language, and physical violence. The North District Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police, Anjitha Chepyala, emphasized the seriousness of the incident and Kumar's lack of cooperation during the investigation. The assault's details were further supported by medical evidence and Maliwal's testimony before the magistrate.

One of the critical pieces of evidence mentioned in the investigation is the digital video record (DVR) from the scene of the crime (SOC), which has yet to be provided to the police. A junior engineer from the Chief Minister's residence had initially failed to provide access to the DVR and CCTV footage, later submitting a video of the dining room that was found to be blank during the time of the alleged incident.

The remand application raised concerns about Kumar's potential to tamper with crucial evidence and influence witnesses, given his influential position and long tenure in an authoritative role within the Chief Minister's residence. Despite being terminated as the Chief Minister's personal secretary in April 2024, Kumar was still found working at Kejriwal's residence, raising questions about his current role and authority.

Furthermore, another case has been registered against Kumar in Noida for allegedly assaulting an on-duty public servant. The police have stressed the need for sustained interrogation to uncover the motive behind the attack on Maliwal and explore any possible conspiracy or involvement of individuals or organizations hostile to India.

Complicating matters is Kumar's mobile phone, which he claimed to have formatted in Mumbai a day before his arrest. The device is password-protected, necessitating his presence and assistance for access. The police intend to consult an expert to retrieve mobile data and verify Kumar's claim about formatting his phone, underscoring its importance as evidence in unraveling this high-profile case.

This incident has not only highlighted concerns over security and conduct within political circles but also underscored the challenges law enforcement faces in investigating cases involving influential figures. As investigations continue, all eyes will be on how this case unfolds and what it reveals about internal dynamics and security protocols within government quarters.