New Delhi: Bibhav Kumar, a close aide to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was denied bail on Friday by the Delhi High Court in connection with the alleged assault of Member of Parliament (MP) Swati Maliwal. Justice Anoop Kumar Mendiratta said that despite Kumars role as Kejriwals personal secretary, his position grants him significant influence and can potentially affect witness testimonies.Bail plea rejectionsThe trial court previously rejected Kumars bail plea twice, first on May 27 and again on June 7. Kumar was initially arrested by the Delhi Police on May 18 and was held in police custody for five days before being remanded to judicial custody on May 24.Allegations latched by Swati MaliwalSwati Maliwal, a Rajya Sabha MP from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), alleged that Kumar assaulted her at Kejriwals residence. According to the FIR, Kumar allegedly hit Maliwal in her chest, stomach, and pelvic area with his legs. AAP has countered these allegations, and videos have surfaced on social media showing Maliwal arguing with security personnel and leaving the Chief Ministers residence.Bibhav Kumars defenceIn his bail plea, Kumar argued that the trial court dismissed his application without considering his claim of undue incarceration, noting that he has been in custody for over 25 days. Kumar also filed a complaint against Maliwal, alleging that it is not being investigated due to her influence.Kumar contended that Maliwals allegations are unbelievable/unnatural and indicative of falsity. He argued that the incident described by Maliwal resulted from a well-thought strategy and after-thought, suggesting that her detailed written complaint was submitted after extensive deliberations to falsely implicate him.
