Delhi Police Adds New Charges in Maliwal Assault Case

The Delhi Police has added charges for 'disappearing evidence and giving false information' against Arvind Kejriwal's aide Bibhav Kumar in the assault case involving AAP MP Swati Maliwal. The investigation revealed evidence tampering and lack of cooperation from Kumar, leading to his arrest and subsequent detention in Tihar jail.

Delhi Police escalates the legal case against Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's aide Bibhav Kumar by including charges of 'disappearing evidence and giving false information' in the assault case involving AAP MP Swati Maliwal, an official reported on Monday.

Kumar is accused of brutally assaulting Maliwal at Kejriwal's official residence on May 13. Section 201 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which addresses the disappearance of evidence and provision of false information, was added to the case. This section could result in imprisonment for one-sixth of the punishment designated for the most serious crime involved, the official added.

The FIR registered on May 16 also includes charges of criminal intimidation, assault intending to disrobe, and attempted culpable homicide. Allegations indicate that Kumar harshly slapped and kicked Maliwal during her visit to meet Kejriwal. Further complicating the case, Kumar's mobile phone, believed to be formatted in Mumbai, was found erased upon his arrest on May 18. Non-cooperation during police custody has also hindered the investigation, leading to Kumar's remand in Tihar jail.

Additionally, three CCTV DVRs collected from Kejriwal's residence have been sent for forensic analysis to determine any tampering. The reports are currently awaited.