The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) addressed the alleged assault on Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal at Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's residence in Delhi on Tuesday. AAP MP Sanjay Singh acknowledged that Bibhav Kumar, an aide to Kejriwal, behaved inappropriately with Maliwal when she visited the Chief Minister's residence on Monday.
According to Singh, Maliwal was waiting in the drawing room when Bibhav Kumar arrived and behaved improperly towards her. He also stated that Kejriwal had taken note of the incident involving Swati Maliwal and assured that strict action would be taken.
Bibhav Kumar, who is at the center of the controversy, is known to be close to Arvind Kejriwal. Here's a brief overview of him:
Bibhav Kumar first connected with Arvind Kejriwal during the 'India Against Corruption' movement. He worked as a video journalist editing videos for a magazine published by 'India Against Corruption' in 2011.
Their relationship grew stronger over time, and Kumar is reportedly considered Kejriwal's trusted aide, involved in planning his daily activities.
A CONSTANT PRESENCE IN THE NEWS
Bibhav Kumar was appointed as Personal Secretary (PS) to Arvind Kejriwal in 2015. After the Aam Aadmi Party formed their second government in 2020, he retained this position.
However, last month, the Vigilance Department revoked his appointment as Kejriwal's Personal Secretary.
Kumar's removal stemmed from a criminal case filed against him by Mahesh Pal, an employee of the Noida Development Authority, in 2007, alleging abuse and threats. The Vigilance Department terminated Kumar's position, citing the lack of investigation into the criminal case before his appointment.
In addition, on April 8, the Enforcement Directorate questioned him regarding the Delhi liquor policy case, recording his statement under the Money Laundering Act.
DISCUSSION REGARDING BUNGALOW
Last year, the Vigilance Department instructed the Public Works Department (PWD) to revoke the allotment of Kumar's Type-6 bungalow. Allegedly, this allocation violated regulations.
Situated in the Civil Lines area of Delhi, the bungalow was assigned to Bibhav Kumar in March 2021.
Despite receiving a notice six months ago from the PWD to surrender the bungalow, he did not comply. Following his dismissal by the Vigilance Department, the PWD directed him to vacate the premises within a month.
