Swati Maliwal assault case: Bibhav Kumar moves Supreme Court for bail

New Delhi, July 25

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s close aide Bibhav Kumar has moved the Supreme Court seeking bail in the AAP Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal assault case.

He has challenged the July 12 order of the Delhi High Court denying him bail in the case and claimed the allegations against him are false. Kumar has also said his custody was no longer required as the probe was over.

While denying him bail, the high court had said the accused enjoys “considerable influence” and no ground was made out to grant him the relief. It cannot be ruled out that witnesses may be influenced or evidence tampered with in case the petitioner is released on bail, the high court had said.

He is currently in judicial custody following his arrest on May 18 for allegedly assaulting Maliwal on May 13 at Kejriwal’s official residence here.

Maliwal had lodged the FIR against Kumar on May 16 under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code, including those relating to criminal intimidation, assault or use of criminal force on a woman with the intent to disrobe, and attempt to commit culpable homicide.