Swati Maliwal row: Arvind Kejriwal's aide Bibhav Kumar moves Delhi HC challenging his arrest

Swati Maliwal row: Arvind Kejriwal's aide Bibhav Kumar moves Delhi HC challenging his arrest.

Updated on: May 29, 2024, 13:19:18 IST

By HT News Desk, hindustantimes.com

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal's aide Bibhav Kumar, accused of assaulting Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Swati Maliwal, on Wednesday, moved the Delhi high court to challenge his arrest.

Arvind Kejriwal's aide Bibhav Kumar moves Delhi HC challenging his arrest

Kumar, in his plea, has also sought to be paid “appropriate compensation” for his “illegal” arrest, reported ANI.

Earlier on Monday, Kumar's bail plea was dismissed by a sessions court, which said that there was no “pre-meditation” by the AAP MP in lodging the FIR, adding that the allegations against Kejriwal's aide cannot be “swiped away”. A day later, a Delhi court sent Kumar to three days of police custody, noting its “bonafide requirements”.

According to the court, the police “cannot be deprived of its right” to recover the mobile phone which he was carrying at the time of Maliwal's alleged assault.

Also read: Swati Maliwal breaks down in Delhi court during Bibhav Kumar's bail hearing

"The presence of the accused in a room where NVRs (network video recorders) are installed is not denied by him or his lawyer. To the mind of this court, the reason for remaining there for a sufficient time is obviously a question which needs to be investigated for which custodial interrogation is necessary," Metropolitan Magistrate Gaurav Goyal said, as quoted by PTI.

However, Kumar's counsel opposed the Delhi police's plea for his custodial interrogation, claiming that they had “no evidence to nail him” and “no justification for seeking his custody”.

Meanwhile, the court allowed Kumar's applications for medicines and daily meetings with his advocates, wife and daughter.

Also read: Swati Maliwal alleges rape and death threats, blames AAP, YouTuber Dhruv Rathee

Kumar was arrested on May 18 after Maliwal, in an FIR, accused him of physically assaulting her at Kejriwal's residence on May 13. According to the FIR, Kumar repeatedly slapped her and ksicked her in the stomach and pelvic area.

Following the complaint, the police registered an FIR against Kumar under sections 354, 506, 509, and 323 of the IPC, which deal with crimes like assault or criminal force on a woman with intent to outrage her modesty and criminal intimidation.

Shortly before his arrest, Kumar also complained to the Delhi police, saying that Maliwal had abused him with the intent of assault.

(With inputs from agencies)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Follow India news real-time updates and the latest news covered on Hindustan Times, featuring today's critical updates on Sonam Wangchuk LIVE and more across India.