Swati Maliwal Assault Case: Kejriwal's Aide Bibhav Kumar Released On Bail As SC Grants Relief

The Supreme Court on Monday granted bail to Bibhav Kumar, a close associate of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, in connection with the alleged assault on Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal.

However, the apex court imposed several restrictions on Kumar. He has been restrained from resuming his position as the CM's personal secretary or entering the Chief Minister's residence until all key witnesses in the case are examined.

Additionally, the court has issued a gag order against Kumar, preventing him from speaking out about the case until vulnerable witnesses are examined.

The court directed the trial court to expedite this process, aiming for completion within three weeks, and further barred Kumar from taking up any official position during this period.

The incident leading to Kumar's arrest occurred on May 13 when MP Swati Maliwal filed a complaint alleging that Kumar had assaulted her at Kejriwal's residence.

According to Maliwal, Kumar slapped her 7-8 times without any provocation, pounced on her, kicked her chest and pelvis, and deliberately pulled up her shirt during the encounter.

Kumar was arrested by Delhi Police on May 18, following the complaint.

However, prior to his arrest, Kumar had sent an email complaint to the Delhi Police on May 17, claiming that Maliwal had "forcefully and unauthorisedly entered the CM's residence, abused and assaulted him, and threatened to implicate him in false cases."

Kumar alleged that when he tried to prevent her from entering the main building of the CM's residence, she threatened to file a false case against him and send him to jail.

As part of their investigation, the Delhi Police collected evidence, including Kumar's mobile phone, SIM card, and the DVR/NVR of the CCTV camera installed at the CM's residence. On July 16, Delhi Police filed a 500-page chargesheet against Kumar, which the court took cognizance of on July 30. The chargesheet involved the examination of 100 individuals, with 50 being made witnesses. Kumar's judicial custody was extended by a Delhi court on August 24 until September 13.