K Kavitha Sent to Judicial Custody Till April 23 in Delhi Liquor Policy Case

Delhi Court Orders Judicial Custody for BRS Leader K Kavitha Amid Delhi Liquor Policy Case Investigation

In a recent development, a Delhi Court on Monday ordered the judicial custody of Bharat Rashtra Samiti (BRS) leader K Kavitha until April 23, following her arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with the Delhi Liquor Policy case. Special Judge Kaveri Baweja of the Rouse Avenue Courts issued the ruling this morning.

Previously, Kavitha had been in the CBI’s custody until April 15. Upon the expiration of this period, she was presented before the trial court today. The CBI, contending that Kavitha had not cooperated with their inquiries, requested an additional fourteen days of custody. However, Advocate Nitesh Rana, representing Kavitha, opposed this request, arguing that she cannot be expected to provide tailored responses to the agency’s liking.

Despite the defense’s objections, the Court opted to place the BRS leader in judicial custody until April 23.

Kavitha’s legal troubles began with her arrest by the CBI on April 11, subsequent to her detention by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 15 in Hyderabad. These actions were part of investigations into allegations of her involvement in a money laundering case related to the Delhi excise scam.

The roots of the case against Kavitha and others date back to 2022 when the CBI filed a First Information Report (FIR), alleging manipulation of the Delhi Excise Policy of 2021-22 to facilitate the monopolization and cartelization of the liquor trade in Delhi. The case, registered under provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Indian Penal Code, specifically mentioned alleged benefits received by individuals from South India, with purported profits funneling into the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

Meanwhile, the ED is conducting a separate investigation into money laundering allegations in the same case.

During the hearing on April 12, the CBI asserted that Kavitha played a significant role in orchestrating financial transactions, supported by purported WhatsApp exchanges indicating her involvement in the wholesale liquor license of Indospirit through a proxy. The agency accused her of providing evasive and conflicting responses during interrogation, labeling her as the central figure and primary conspirator.

In response, Kavitha’s legal team questioned the timing of her arrest, highlighting that the evidence presented by the CBI was dated. They insinuated political motives, suggesting that the arrest coincided with the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and was aimed at extending her detention for political gain.