Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s close aide Bibhav Kumar was arrested on Saturday in connection with the alleged assault on AAP MP Swati Maliwal.
Kumar was picked up from the chief minister’s residence by a Delhi Police team around noon, a senior police officer said, reports PTI. He was taken to the police station for interrogation.
The development comes a day after Maliwal recorded her statement before a magistrate at the Tis Hazari court. Maliwal accused the CM’s aide of assaulting her forcefully on May 13, alleging he slapped her and kicked her in the chest and abdomen during a visit to meet Kejriwal.
A police officer said that Kumar will be presented before a court, and police will request his custody for further questioning.
Police reported recording statements from approximately 10 individuals, including security personnel and staff at the chief minister’s residence, who were present during the alleged assault on May 13.
Meanwhile, Maliwal’s medical examination at AIIMS revealed bruises on her left leg and right cheek below her eye, according to the medico-legal certificate (MLC) issued on Friday.
AAP leader Atishi claimed the former DCW chief faces arrest in an illegal recruitment case and she was “blackmailed” by the BJP to become part of a “conspiracy” against Kejriwal. Atishi, who is also a cabinet minister in the Delhi government, alleged that Maliwal went to the chief minister’s official residence on Monday without an appointment.