Swati Maliwal breaks down in Bibhav’s bail hearing

NEW DELHI: AAP MP Swati Maliwal broke down in Delhi’s Tis Hazari court on Monday during the bail hearing of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s aide, Bibhav Kumar, who was arrested for allegedly assaulting her.

Senior advocate N Hariharan, representing Kumar, argued that Maliwal had trespassed into Kejriwal’s residence without an appointment. “Can anyone enter in this manner? This is the official residence of the chief minister. She did not have an appointment for the meeting, nor did she send any message regarding her arrival. Kumar was not present at that time. She was stopped by the security personnel but proceeded to sit in the waiting room and asked the security to talk to Kumar,” the defence counsel stated.

Hariharan said that there was “no grievous injury” on Maliwal. “Kindly look at the place where the alleged incident took place where many people were present. How can such an incident take place at CM’s residence? There is no grievous injury on the vital part, so where is the question of culpable homicide not amounting to murder? The injuries can be self-inflicted,” he said.

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He further contended that Maliwal’s allegations “do not make out a case of intention to disrobe her.” This statement caused Maliwal to break down in court.

Hariharan claimed the allegations were pre-planned and tailor-made to suit Maliwal’s story. He added, “This entire FIR is the result of afterthought.I am seeking bail only, not the acquittal,” said Hariharan.

Bibhav Kumar was arrested on May 18 after Maliwal accused him of physically assaulting her at Kejriwal’s residence on May 13. The FIR states that Kumar repeatedly slapped her and kicked her in the stomach and pelvic area. Kumar faces charges under sections 354, 506, 509, and 323 of the IPC, which pertain to assault or criminal force on a woman with intent to outrage her modesty and criminal intimidation.

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On Sunday, Maliwal alleged she was receiving rape and death threats because of Dhruv Rathee’s new video explaining Swati Maliwal’s assault incidents so far. Sharing screenshots of the threats, she claimed that despite her efforts to reach out to Dhruv Rathee to tell her side of the story, he ignored her calls and messages. Tagging Delhi police in her post, Maliwal said, “In any case, if something happens to her, we know who all instigated it.”