New Delhi: The Directorate of Vigilance (DOV) on Wednesday relieved Bibhav Kumar, the private secretary of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, of his services terming his appointment "illegal and invalid."

Earlier, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had called Bibhav for questioning relating to the liquor scam case. Apart from Kejriwal's family, Kumar's name came up in the list of people, who met Arvind Kejriwal currently lodged in Tihar Jail.

In a five-page order issued by YVVJ Rajasekhar, special secretary of the Vigilance Department of Delhi, the DOV paved the way for the termination of Kumar with immediate effect. The order also mentioned violation of Central Civil Service rules related to the temporary appointment of Kumar.

In the statement, it is said that the procedure and rules prescribed for the appointment of Bibhav Kumar have not been followed 'honestly.' Therefore, such an appointment is illegal and invalid.

The Enforcement Directorate, which is investigating the liquor scam case, interrogated Kejriwal's assistant, Bibhav Kumar, on Monday. According to the information received, Kumar's statement is being recorded under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

According to the ED charge sheet, the International Mobile Equipment Identity of Bibhav's mobile number has been changed four times between September 2021 and July 2022. Earlier in February, the agency raided the house of Kejriwal's secretary for 16 long hours.

Subsequently, Kejriwal attacked the ED and said that all this was being done due to political malice. Regarding the ED raid at the house of Kumar, the CM said that 23 ED officers conducted the raid for 16 hours. After a thorough investigation, nothing was recovered. Kejriwal alleged 'vendetta' saying efforts are being made to crush the AAP.