BRS Leader K Kavitha Remanded to 14-Day Judicial Custody in Delhi Excise Policy Case

A Delhi Court on Tuesday remanded K Kavitha to judicial custody for 14 days in connection with the alleged Delhi excise policy scam. The BRS leader appeared before the court as her custody remand concluded, and Special Judge Kaveri Baweja issued the order for judicial custody.

During the court proceedings, Kavitha's advocate, Nitesh Rana, sought interim bail citing her minor son's upcoming exams. However, the ED's counsel opposed this plea, emphasizing the stringent provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) for both interim and regular bail applications. They insisted on having the opportunity to file a reply before considering any bail.

The court scheduled a hearing for Kavitha's interim bail plea on April 1. The ED informed the court that during her remand period, they had recorded her statement, conducted interrogations, and confronted her with various individuals and digital records. Allegations against Kavitha suggest her involvement in the 'South Group,' accused of offering kickbacks worth Rs 100 crore to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in exchange for a substantial share of liquor licenses in Delhi.

Kavitha, daughter of former Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, maintained her stance outside the courtroom, denouncing the case as a "political laundering case" rather than one of money laundering. She asserted the accusations were fabricated and expressed confidence in her eventual exoneration. Meanwhile, on March 23, the ED conducted raids on the residences of Kavitha's nephew and sister-in-law.

Previously, the court had imposed conditions on Kavitha's ED custody, including interrogation in a location equipped with CCTV cameras to preserve footage. As her ED custody ended, the court opted for judicial custody till April 9, disregarding the ED's request for a 15-day extension. Amidst legal maneuvers and familial scrutiny, Kavitha's legal battle continues, with the Supreme Court having declined to intervene and redirecting her to seek bail through the trial court on March 22.​​