Delhi excise policy case; CBI arrests BRS legislator Kavitha

K Kavitha, a prominent figure within the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), has been arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) within the confines of Tihar Jail. This detention is part of an ongoing investigation into an alleged money-laundering case linked to the Delhi liquor policy. It follows a period of questioning by the investigative agency during her stint in judicial custody.

Daughter to the former Telangana chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao, Kavitha is accused of playing a significant role in what’s been dubbed the “South Group.” This collective purportedly facilitated kickbacks totaling ₹100 crore to the ruling AAP in Delhi. In exchange, they allegedly sought a considerable share of liquor licenses within the national capital. She had been remanded to judicial custody for a period of 14 days last Tuesday.

The 46-year-old was initially arrested on March 15 from her residence in Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, by the Enforcement Directorate.

Recently, CBI officials were granted permission by a special court to conduct an inquiry with Kavitha within the prison premises. This inquiry focused on scrutinizing WhatsApp conversations retrieved from the device of co-accused Buchi Babu, as well as examining documents related to a land transaction. These communications allegedly preceded the transfer of ₹100 crore to the AAP as kickbacks, intended to influence the excise policy in favor of a prominent liquor lobby.

Over the weekend, CBI officials visited Tihar Jail to further question Kavitha regarding these specific aspects of the case.

In correspondence submitted to the court, Kavitha lamented what she described as a “media trial” orchestrated by central agencies. She voiced her anguish over the tarnishing of her reputation and the violation of her privacy.

“I am a victim. My personal and political integrity have been compromised. The airing of my private mobile phone conversations on various television channels represents a direct intrusion into my personal space,” the letter, conveyed to the court through her legal counsel, conveyed.

“I have fully cooperated with the investigating agencies, providing all necessary bank account details. Additionally, I am prepared to surrender any mobile phones that the Enforcement Directorate alleges I have tampered with,” she emphasized.