Kejriwal Aide Takes Rajya Sabha Assault Case to Supreme Court for Bail

Bibhav Kumar, aide to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, has petitioned the Supreme Court for bail in the assault case involving AAP Rajya Sabha member Swati Maliwal. Previously denied bail by the Delhi High Court, Kumar argues that the allegations are false and his custody is no longer justified as the investigation is complete.

Bibhav Kumar, an aide to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, has approached the Supreme Court seeking bail in the AAP Rajya Sabha member Swati Maliwal assault case.

The bail plea, filed on July 19, was registered five days later, according to the Supreme Court website.

Kumar is challenging the Delhi High Court's July 12 order denying him bail, claiming the allegations against him are untrue and that his continued custody is unwarranted now that the investigation is complete. Kumar, who reportedly assaulted Maliwal at Kejriwal's official residence on May 13, is currently in judicial custody.

The Delhi High Court had refused to grant bail on grounds that Kumar wielded 'considerable influence' and posed a risk to witness integrity and evidence preservation. Kumar faces charges of criminal intimidation, assault with intent to disrobe, and attempt to commit culpable homicide, following an FIR filed on May 16.

(With inputs from agencies.)