Kejriwal’s aide Bibhav Kumar moves HC for bail in Swati Maliwal assault case

Kumar, who was arrested on May 18, moved the HC, after the trial court denied him bail on June 7.

Kumar has been booked under various provisions of the IPC including Sections 354B (Assault or use of criminal force to woman with intent to disrobe), 506 (criminal intimidation), 308 (attempt to commit culpable homicide) among others.

While denying him bail on June 7, Special Judge Ekta Gauba Mann of Tis Hazari Court had said, “…considering the fact that Bibhav Kumar is alleged to have misbehaved with a lady member of the political party at the official residence of the Hon’ble CM, where not only the elected members of their political party could meet the Hon’ble CM but even the general public could go and meet the Hon’ble CM regarding their grievances. This creates fear and panic in the mind of the general public to meet their leader.”

Kumar, in his plea before the HC, has said that while passing the bail rejection order, the trial court failed to consider the fact that “all the evidence in relation” to the FIR had been collected by the Investigating Officer and “statements of the witnesses” had also been recorded; therefore, Kumar’s custody was not required.

Kumar had earlier moved a plea in the HC challenging his arrest in the case. On May 31, the HC had reserved its verdict on the maintainability of his plea.