New Delhi: Jailed Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwals personal assistant Bibhav Kumar has been dismissed from his position over allegations of hindering government operations, media reports said.
The Directorate of Vigilance Department cited a case against Kumar accusing him of obstructing government activities, reported India Today.
According to the departments statement, Kumar was relieved of his duties as a private secretary to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader with immediate effect.
The decision to terminate him was made after a thorough review of his legal issues and breach of proper appointment procedures, it said.
Bibhav Kumars services were terminated based on an FIR filed against him, according to the Directorate of Vigilance.
The case dates back to 2007 and was lodged by Mahesh Pal, who was working at the Development Authority in Noida at the time.
The FIR accused Bibhav Kumar and three others of obstructing Mahesh Pal, a public servant, from performing his duties and of verbally abusing and threatening him, according to the report.
The FIR stated that Bibhav Kumar wasnt arrested but a charge sheet was filed before the Chief Judicial Magistrates Court where it is still pending.
Bibhav Kumars background check, including the pending criminal case, was not done before his appointment, the Vigilance Department said.
Despite being appointed conditionally based on the pending outcome of a criminal case against him (FIR 102/07 under IPC sections 353, 504, and 506), concerns were raised following the directives from the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) regarding appointments without prior verification of character and antecedents, the vigilance department said.
The termination of Arvind Kejriwals personal assistant was essential as per administrative standards.
Bibhav Kumars dismissal came following his interrogation by the Enforcement Directorate on April 8 in connection with the Delhi liquor policy case.
ED officials confirmed that his statement was recorded under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
AAP leader Jasmine Shah slammed the BJP for Bibhav Kumars removal, alleging that the partys sole aim is to kill the ruling partys prospects in the national capital. She also took a swipe at Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena.
First the Delhi CM is arrested in the fake Delhi liquor case. Now, the LG has started sacking his entire staff including his Pvt Secretary. There is no doubt left that BJPs sole aim is to finish AAP Democracy is being dismantled in the national capital, she tweeted.
First the Delhi CM is arrested in the fake Delhi liquor case. Now, the LG has started sacking his entire staff including his Pvt Secretary.
There is no doubt left that BJPs sole aim is to finish AAP
Democracy is being dismantled in the national capitalhttps://t.co/2medL2dDkt
Jasmine Shah (@Jasmine441) April 11, 2024
Delhi BJP vice president Kapil Mishra has justified Bibhav Kumars termination, calling it a necessary step, citing three reasons for the decision.
Firstly, his (Bibhav Kumar) appointment was illegal, secondly, he was under investigation in corruption cases, and thirdly and most importantly, he could get involved in destroying evidence and witnesses at the behest of the jailed Kejriwal. His removal will help in ensuring a fair investigation, Mishra told India Today.
