In connection with the Delhi excise policy case, Bharat Rashtra Samithi leader K Kavitha has been sent to judicial custody until April 9 by a Delhi court. Special Judge of the Rouse Avenue Courts, following a request from the Enforcement Directorate , granted the ED’s petition for a 15-day judicial custody term for Kavitha.
ED’s Argument
The ED contended that the detention of Kavitha was necessary because she had the power to influence others and potential access to the evidence and its dislocation. Moreover, the ED stated the ongoing investigation against her in the Excise policy and claimed to make more recoveries of proceeds if proved the crime and named more accused for doing the duty. Finally, the ED said it would seek police custody as deemed necessary.
Arrest and Legal Proceedings
Following an ED search and questioning on March 15, Kavitha was imprisoned in Hyderabad. She was then placed under ED custody for a week on March 16. She appealed for urgent support, yet the Supreme Court forced her to apply for bail via the trial court on March 22.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Kavitha are among the high-profile figures held in the Delhi excise policy scenario . Lawmakers such as AAP MP Sanjay Singh and ex-Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia have also been detained.
Allegations Against K Kavitha
The ED alleges Kavitha’s involvement with a lobby of liquor traders aiming to influence the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy for 2021-22. Specifically, it claims she, along with others, received kickbacks from the “South Group” of liquor traders. However, Kavitha maintains her innocence, alleging misuse of the ED by the Central government to assert influence in Telangana.
ED’s Interrogation and Legal Proceedings
Kavitha has faced questioning by the ED multiple times, including in 2023, and was summoned again this year. However, citing a Supreme Court directive protecting her from coercive action, she did not appear for deposition.
