Amid the intensifying political conflict between the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the arrest of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s former aide, new developments have emerged in the alleged assault case involving Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal. Delhi Police sources revealed on Sunday that they are considering adding charges for the destruction of evidence to the case.
The decision follows accusations by Maliwal, former chairperson of the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW), that Bibhav Kumar, the arrested aide, deleted crucial CCTV footage from the CM’s Civil Lines residence. Maliwal claims this footage would have conclusively proven her allegations of assault.
Sources within the Delhi Police disclosed that Kumar, who was arrested on Saturday, has not been cooperating with the investigation. He was produced before the Tis Hazari Court, which remanded him in police custody for five days. Kumar is accused of assaulting Maliwal and is being interrogated for further leads.
Investigators suspect that Kumar may have disposed of or reformatted relevant phone data in Mumbai. They plan to take him there to attempt data retrieval with the assistance of forensic experts. Additionally, Kumar might be taken to the CM’s Civil Lines residence in Delhi to clarify the circumstances surrounding the alleged altercation.
On Saturday, Metropolitan Magistrate Gaurav Goyal authorized five days of police custody for Kumar, who is scheduled to be presented in court again on May 23. Kumar faces charges under several IPC sections, including 308 (attempt to commit culpable homicide), 354B (assault with intent to disrobe), 341 (wrongful restraint), 506 (criminal intimidation), and 509 (insulting the modesty of a woman).
In response to Kumar’s arrest, CM Kejriwal accused the BJP of engaging in a “Jail Ka Khel” (game of incarcerating leaders) against the AAP. He announced plans to lead a “Jail Bharo” march to the BJP headquarters on Sunday, accompanied by top party leaders and supporters.
Ahead of the AAP protest, Delhi Police implemented extensive security measures around the BJP’s national headquarters. A traffic advisory warned of potential congestion on DDU Marg, IP Marg, Minto Road, and Vikas Marg, indicating that DDU Marg might be closed to traffic between 11 am and 2 pm.
Maliwal’s complaint detailed the alleged assault, claiming that Kumar “slapped” her “at least seven to eight times,” “brutally dragged” her, and “kicked” her in the “chest, stomach, and pelvis area” while she “continued screaming.”
The situation continues to unfold, with the political and legal ramifications of the incident remaining a focal point of public and media attention.
