Bibhav Kumar, an aide to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, was released from Tihar Jail on Tuesday after being granted bail by the Supreme Court in the Swati Maliwal assault case, according to official sources.
Kumar walked out of jail number five at 2 pm after spending more than three months in custody. On Monday, the Supreme Court granted him bail, noting that he had already been in custody for over 100 days.
The bench of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan highlighted that the prosecution plans to examine more than 51 witnesses, indicating that the trial could be lengthy. The court also noted that the charge sheet has already been filed, so Kumar’s release would not prejudice the ongoing investigation.
Kumar was arrested by the Delhi Police on May 18, following allegations that he assaulted Swati Maliwal on May 13 at Kejriwal’s official residence. An FIR was registered against him on May 16 under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code, including charges of criminal intimidation, assault or use of criminal force on a woman with intent to disrobe, and attempted culpable homicide.