Arvind Kejriwal's personal assistant, Bibhav Kumar, has been dismissed from his role while Kejriwal remains incarcerated. The Directorate of Vigilance Department took this action, citing a case dating back to 2007 in which Kumar was accused of obstructing government work.
In a statement, the vigilance department announced Bibhav Kumar's immediate termination as private secretary to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo. They highlighted a thorough examination of Kumar's legal situation and a failure to follow due appointment procedures as reasons for the dismissal.
The decision stemmed from an FIR filed against Bibhav Kumar in 2007 by Mahesh Pal, a Development Authority employee in Noida. The complaint alleged obstruction of duty and abuse or threats against Pal by Kumar and three others.
Despite the FIR, Bibhav Kumar was appointed without a proper background check regarding his pending criminal case. The vigilance department cited concerns raised by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) about appointments lacking character verification as a factor in Kumar's termination.
The department stressed the necessity of administrative action, leading to the removal of Kejriwal's personal assistant.
Bibhav Kumar's dismissal occurred after the Enforcement Directorate questioned him on April 8 regarding the Delhi liquor policy case, recording his statement under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
AAP leader Jasmine Shah criticized the BJP, alleging their intention to dismantle the ruling party of Delhi. She also took aim at Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena.
In response, Delhi BJP vice president Kapil Mishra deemed Bibhav Kumar's removal necessary for three reasons: the illegality of his appointment, ongoing corruption investigations, and the potential for obstruction of justice on behalf of incarcerated Kejriwal. Mishra asserted that Kumar's dismissal would ensure a fair investigation.
