Bibhav Kumar is considered close to Arvind Kejriwal, with many even calling him his "Man Friday".
In yet another blow to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, his private secretary has been dismissed over alleged violations of rules during his appointment. Bibhav Kumar”s employment has been terminated by the Directorate of Vigilance, citing infractions of the Central Civil Service Rules pertaining to temporary appointments.
The law prevents the engagement of persons with criminal charges against them in government service.
The order for his removal, issued by Special Secretary Vigilance YVVJ Rajshekhar, highlights a 2007 legal case against Kumar. The vigilance department pointed out Kumar”s past entanglement in a 2007 Noida police case for allegedly assaulting a public servant, which was not disclosed during his appointment process. Mahesh Pal, a government official, accused Kumar of obstructing him from discharging his duty and abusing him.
“This is not only irregular but also creates administrative difficulties. Due to sensitivity of work handled by the ministers, it is not appropriate to allow appointments in the personal staff of ministers without prior verification of character and antecedents,” the order said.
The department highlighted the gravity of the charges against Kumar and the ongoing legal proceedings, stating that “Bibhav Kumar is not clear from vigilance angle”.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) described it as an attack on democracy in the national capital while repeating its charge that the BJP is trying to finish the party.
“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 BJP”s sole aim is to finish AAP. Democracy is being dismantled in the national capital,” said AAP leader Jasmine Shah.
Kumar is considered close to Kejriwal, with many even calling him his “Man Friday”. Kumar was hired as private secretary on a co-terminus basis in 2015 and was reappointed in 2020 when the AAP formed the government again.
Meanwhile, Kumar was interrogated by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with the Delhi liquor policy case. The Delhi CM was arrested on March 21 in the same case.
The ED maintains that Arvind Kejriwal used his position as the chief minister of Delhi to commit money laundering offences to benefit his party.
Kejriwal has approached the Supreme Court after the Delhi High Court rejected his bail plea.
On Wednesday, Delhi minister Raaj Kumar Anand resigned from the Cabinet and the party citing corruption within the party. He also alleged that Dalits were not given representation in AAP.
