BRS Leader K Kavitha Challenges "Illegal" Arrest in Delhi Court Amid ED's Custodial Plea

BRS leader K Kavitha was brought before a Delhi court by the Enforcement Directorate on Saturday, seeking her remand for custodial interrogation in connection with the money laundering case related to alleged irregularities in the Delhi excise policy 2021-22. Daughter of former Telangana Chief Minister Chandrashekar Rao, K Kavitha was arrested in Hyderabad on Friday and subsequently transported to Delhi later that night.

Upon her appearance in court, K Kavitha denounced her arrest as "illegal." She expressed her intention to contest the arrest, stating, "It's an illegal arrest, [and] will fight it out," during her appearance at Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court. The 46-year-old Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) was expected to face a plea for her 10-day custody from the Enforcement Directorate, although her defense is anticipated to oppose this motion. They argue that the probe agency's actions are illegal, particularly as her petition for protection from coercive action in this case is pending before the Supreme Court and scheduled for hearing on March 19.

The Enforcement Directorate's investigation revolves around Kavitha's alleged involvement with a group of liquor traders known as the "South Group," seeking to exert influence under the now-defunct Delhi excise policy for 2021-22. The agency alleges that kickbacks amounting to at least Rs 100 crore were funneled to AAP leaders by Vijay Nair on behalf of the "South Group," purportedly controlled by Sarath Reddy, Kavitha, and Magunta Srinivasulu Reddy.

During previous questioning sessions by the probe agency, Kavitha was confronted with Hyderabad-based businessman Arun Ramachandran Pillai, who had been arrested earlier in the case and allegedly had close ties with her. Despite these developments, Kavitha maintains her innocence, asserting that she has committed no wrongdoing. She accuses the Centre of orchestrating the situation, claiming that the BJP is attempting to gain influence in Telangana through the Enforcement Directorate.

The Enforcement Directorate has pursued Kavitha vigorously, summoning her for questioning on multiple occasions last year. However, she refused to depose this year, citing a Supreme Court directive that protected her from coercive action. Nevertheless, the agency continues to press its investigation into her alleged involvement in the money laundering case linked to the scrapped Delhi excise policy.

Speaking on K Kavitha’s arrest, her brother and former Telangana Minister KT Ramarao hit out at the BJP accusing the party of “abusing power.” “Abuse of power and institutional misuse to settle political scores is something that has become increasingly common with BJP Govt in last 10 years ED needs to answer Supreme Court on the inordinate rush to arrest when the matter is very much sub-judice & up for review in a couple of days, on the 19th March. What’s even more appalling is the ED undermining its own undertaking given to the Hon’ble Supreme Court Justice shall prevail and we will continue to fight legally,” posted KTR on “X”.​