Who is Bibhav Kumar? Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s aide arrested for allegedly assaulting AAP MP Swati Maliwal

The close aide of Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal, Bibhav Kumar was arrested, on Saturday (May 18) for allegedly assaulting AAP Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal.

Why was Kumar arrested?

Maliwal, the former chairperson of the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW), alleged that she was “slapped, hit on the stomach, and kicked” by Kumar at the Delhi CM’s residence on May 13.

She also alleged that the Delhi CM’s aide slapped her multiple times in the face and kicked her on the chest, stomach, and sensitive parts.

WATCH |Swati Maliwal registers case against Delhi CM Kejriwal's aide Bibhav Kumar

The arrest comes a day after Maliwal said that Kumar assaulted her in the drawing room of the Delhi CM’s official residence on the morning of May 13 when Kejriwal was present inside the house.

The Rajya Sabha MP also claims that she had informed the staff about her presence and was asked to wait when Kumar suddenly ran into the room and began verbally abusing her.

“I made noise and said ‘Let me go,’ but he kept beating me continuously and abusing me in Hindi. He threatened, ‘We will see, we will deal with it’. I informed him that I was menstruating and in considerable pain, begging him to leave me alone,” Maliwal said, as per the FIR.

Also Read |Swati Maliwal assault case: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's aide Bibhav Kumar arrested

The Delhi CM’s aide was also summoned by the National Commission for Women (NCW), on Friday concerning the allegations levelled against him.

Who is Bibhav Kumar?

Bibhav Kumar, the man at the centre of the latest controversyhas been accused of physical assault, verbal abuse, and criminal intimidation.

The Delhi CM’s aide has been described as a “bridge” to Kejriwal as well as the AAP leader’s eyes and ears, reported the Indian Express citing party insiders. He is also said to be the person who handles everything for the Delhi CM from his personal phone to his insulin doses.

According to media reports, Kumar first came into contact with Kejriwal during the India Against Corruption Movement where he reportedly worked as a video journalist.

Notably, he had also been under scrutiny by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a money laundering investigation linked to the excise policy case as well as alleged irregularities within the Delhi Jal Board.

Also Read |Swati Maliwal claims Kerjiwal's aide 'slapped, kicked on chest and pelvis area’ in her FIR

Earlier this year, ED conducted raids at 12 locations, including those connected to Kumar and another AAP lawmaker ND Gupta. The Delhi CM’s aide was also questioned regarding some documents in the excise probe.

A few days after the raids, Kumar was terminated as the personal secretary to the Delhi CM due to an order by the Directorate of Vigilance as he had a pending case against him.

The law prohibits the employment of individuals with criminal charges against them in government services.

The Delhi CM’s aide was first hired as a private secretary on a co-coterminous contract in 2015 and was retained in 2020 when AAP formed the government again.

(With inputs from agencies)