On Tuesday, a Delhi court ordered Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader K Kavitha to be held in judicial custody until April 9 in connection with the Delhi excise policy case. The decision was made by Special Judge (PC Act) Kaveri Baweja of the Rouse Avenue Courts following a request from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for a 15-day judicial custody period.
The ED argued that Kavitha holds significant influence and there is a risk that she may tamper with evidence or influence witnesses if released. It emphasized that Kavitha’s role in the Excise policy case is still under investigation, with efforts ongoing to uncover additional proceeds of crime and identify other individuals involved or connected with related activities.
The probe agency indicated its intention to seek further custody of Kavitha if deemed necessary.
Kavitha was arrested on March 15 in Hyderabad, following an ED search of her premises and subsequent interrogation. The Rouse Avenue Court had previously remanded her to ED custody for a week on March 16.
On March 22, the Supreme Court declined to provide urgent relief to Kavitha, directing her to seek bail from the trial court instead.
It’s noteworthy that the same day, the Rouse Avenue Court also remanded Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to six days of ED custody. Both Kejriwal and Kavitha are prominent figures who have been arrested by the ED in connection with the Delhi excise policy case.
The ED has alleged that Kavitha was associated with a “South Group” lobby of liquor traders seeking a more prominent role under the now-abolished Delhi excise policy for 2021-22. According to the agency, Vijay Nair, one of the accused, received substantial kickbacks on behalf of AAP leaders from the “South Group,” allegedly led by Sarath Reddy, K Kavitha, and Magunta Srinivasulu Reddy.
Kavitha has denied any wrongdoing and accused the Central government of misusing the ED for political purposes in Telangana. Despite being summoned multiple times by the ED in 2023 and this year, she did not appear for questioning, citing protection from coercive action granted by the Supreme Court.
