Arvind Kejriwal's personal assistant Bibhav Kumar terminated from service over 2007 FIR

The Directorate of Vigilance Department cited a case against Kumar accusing him of obstructing government activities, reported India Today.

According to the department's 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 Kumar’s 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 wasn’t arrested but a charge sheet was filed before the Chief Judicial Magistrate's Court where it is still pending.

Bibhav Kumar’s 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 Kejriwal's personal assistant was "essential" as per administrative standards.

Bibhav Kumar's 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 Kumar's removal, alleging that the party's ‘sole aim’ is to kill the ruling party’s 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 BJP's sole aim is to finish AAP Democracy is being dismantled in the national capital," she tweeted.

Delhi BJP vice president Kapil Mishra has justified Bibhav Kumar's 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.