New Delhi: The Directorate of Vigilance in Delhi has taken the decisive step of terminating the employment of Bibhav Kumar, the personal secretary of incarcerated Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. This move came following an order issued by YVVJ Rajshekhar, the Special Secretary of Vigilance, citing a 2007 case against Kumar. The termination order, invoking Rule 5 of the Central Civil Services (Temporary Service) Rules, 1965, was executed promptly, effective immediately.

The order highlights an accusation lodged by a government official named Mahesh Pal, alleging that Bibhav Kumar obstructed him from performing his duties and subjected him to verbal abuse. Referring to the FIR No. 102/2007 filed by Pal, the order elucidates the charges under Sections 353/504/506 of the IPC against Kumar and others.

Moreover, the order underscores the imperative of conducting thorough character and antecedent verification of ministerial staff before their engagement, emphasizing the need for stringent scrutiny, particularly concerning non-government personnel.

Regarding Bibhav Kumar’s legal standing, the order notes that his trial is currently in the evidentiary stage, and his status vis-à-vis vigilance concerns remains unresolved.

In another development, Bibhav Kumar was interrogated by the Enforcement Directorate earlier in connection with the ongoing money laundering investigation related to the Delhi excise policy case. Sources familiar with the matter revealed that Kumar was questioned to clarify certain aspects of documentation pertaining to the excise probe.

This development comes amidst the Enforcement Directorate’s arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the same case. The agency alleges that Kejriwal exploited his position as the Chief Minister of Delhi for money laundering activities aimed at benefitting his political party.

Arvind Kejriwal has subsequently appealed to the Supreme Court against his arrest, following the Delhi High Court’s validation of the Enforcement Directorate’s actions.