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K Kavitha Criticizes Congress for Altering Telangana Talli Statue

December 15, 2024, 11:32 am

K Kavitha, leader of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), has sharply criticized the Congress government in Telangana for altering the iconic Telangana Talli statue. Kavitha accused the Congress of undermining the state’s traditions, festivals, and cultural identity, particularly in its redesign of the statue which, she claims, removed the symbol of Bathukamma – a floral arrangement representing Telangana’s cultural identity – and replaced it with the Congress party’s hand symbol.

The controversy erupted after Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy unveiled the redesigned statue on December 9, during the first anniversary of his government. The new statue, which Reddy described as an embodiment of Telangana’s self-respect and existence, features the mythical Telugu Talli with one hand raised in a gesture of prosperity and the other holding traditional crops like paddy, millet, and maize.

Kavitha Questions Congress Leadership

Kavitha, who is also the founder of Telangana Jagruthi, questioned Congress leadership, particularly Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, asking whether they endorsed the redesign of the statue. She alleged that by removing Bathukamma from the statue, the Congress government was disrespecting the culture and heritage of Telangana. “This will be remembered as the Congress Maata statue by the people of Telangana,” she said, asserting that the original Telangana Talli would continue to inspire future generations across villages, notebooks, and calendars.

The BRS leader also accused Chief Minister Reddy of lacking any connection to the Telangana movement, calling him a leader who “never stood with the movement” and claimed his government was eroding the state’s traditions. Kavitha further stressed that the Congress government’s actions were an affront to the cultural and spiritual values of the region.

Allegations of Disrespect Towards Bathukamma Festival

Kavitha also expressed outrage over recent remarks made by a Congress MLA, who allegedly insulted the Bathukamma festival and people from the OBC and Dalit communities. The MLA’s statement, which implied that these communities do not participate in Bathukamma, has sparked anger. Kavitha demanded an apology from the Congress for the alleged disrespect towards women of OBC and Dalit communities.

BRS Leadership Weighs In

Kavitha’s criticism was echoed by BRS working president KT Rama Rao (KTR), who stated that the Congress government’s new statue was an affront not only to the state’s cultural heritage but also to the sentiments of the people of Telangana. He argued that the redesign had hurt the pride and prosperity tied to the region’s traditions.

In response, Kavitha reiterated her commitment to ensuring that the original Telangana Talli statue, with its cultural significance intact, would be installed in every village across the state. She warned the Congress party that the people of Telangana would not forgive what she called an attack on their heritage and cultural identity.

As tensions continue to rise, the controversy over the Telangana Talli statue has become a significant point of political and cultural debate in the state.

Supreme Court Grants Bail to BRS MLC K Kavitha in Delhi Excise Policy Case

August 27, 2024, 1:25 pm

The Supreme Court on Tuesday granted bail to K Kavitha, a Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) from the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), in connection with the Delhi excise policy case. Kavitha, the daughter of former Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, had been in custody since March 15.

During the hearing, the Supreme Court criticized the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for their handling of the investigation. The court questioned the agencies on the nature of their probe and expressed concerns about the prolonged detention of Kavitha.

K Kavitha’s arrest and subsequent detention had been a point of contention, drawing significant attention and sparking political debates. With the court’s decision to grant her bail, she is expected to be released soon, pending further proceedings in the case.

K. Kavitha admitted to hospital after her health deterioration in Tihar

July 17, 2024, 2:04 am

Bharat Rashtra Samiti (BRS) leader K. Kavitha was taken to Delhi’s DDU Hospital on Tuesday evening after her health deteriorated. She is currently lodged in Tihar jail in connection with the Delhi excise policy case.
K. Kavitha was arrested on March 15 of this year. Six days later, the Enforcement Directorate arrested Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in a money laundering probe related to the same case. Initially, K. Kavitha was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate, and the next month, she was arrested by the CBI. She is accused of being part of a group that allegedly gave the AAP kickbacks amounting to Rs 100 crore in exchange for formulating a favourable liquor policy.
Earlier this month, K. Kavitha approached a Delhi court seeking “default” bail in the corruption case. In her bail plea, K. Kavitha’s lawyer argued that the chargesheet against her was incomplete. The plea stated that the law requires the CBI to file a complete charge sheet within 60 days of arrest, but she had spent more time in jail than that.
“It is clear that the third supplementary chargesheet has been filed solely to prevent the release of the applicant on default bail and to circumvent the mandate of Section 309(2) of the Cr.P.C. Such incomplete investigations, aimed at violating the applicant’s right to default bail, cannot be upheld in law,” the plea said. The court later scheduled the matter for a further hearing on July 22.
In June, the CBI filed a supplementary chargesheet against Kavitha, claiming there was sufficient evidence to prosecute her in the corruption case. Earlier, she had been questioned by the CBI inside the jail about WhatsApp chats recovered from co-accused Buchi Babu’s phone and about a sum of Rs 100 crore allegedly paid to the party.
The ED and the CBI had alleged that irregularities were committed while modifying the excise policy, undue favours were extended to license holders, the license fee was waived or reduced, and the L-1 license was extended without the competent authority’s approval.

BRS Leader K Kavitha Transferred To DDU Hospital Due To Failing Health

July 16, 2024, 6:43 pm

NEW DELHI: Bharat Rashtra Samiti (BRS) leader K. Kavitha was taken to Delhi’s DDU Hospital on Tuesday evening after her health deteriorated. She is currently lodged in Tihar jail in connection with the Delhi excise policy case.

K. Kavitha was arrested on March 15 of this year. Six days later, the Enforcement Directorate arrested Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in a money laundering probe related to the same case.

Initially, K. Kavitha was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate, and the next month, she was arrested by the CBI. She is accused of being part of a group that allegedly gave the AAP kickbacks amounting to ₹100 crore in exchange for formulating a favourable liquor policy.

Earlier this month, K. Kavitha approached a Delhi court seeking “default” bail in the corruption case. In her bail plea, K. Kavitha’s lawyer argued that the chargesheet against her was incomplete. The plea stated that the law requires the CBI to file a complete charge sheet within 60 days of arrest, but she had spent more time in jail than that.

‘It is clear that the third supplementary chargesheet has been filed solely to prevent the release of the applicant on default bail and to circumvent the mandate of Section 309(2) of the Cr.P.C. Such incomplete investigations, aimed at violating the applicant’s right to default bail, cannot be upheld in law,” the plea said.

The court later scheduled the matter for a further hearing on July 22.

In June, the CBI filed a supplementary chargesheet against Kavitha, claiming there was sufficient evidence to prosecute her in the corruption case.

Earlier, she had been questioned by the CBI inside the jail about WhatsApp chats recovered from co-accused Buchi Babu’s phone and about a sum of ₹100 crore allegedly paid to the party.
The ED and the CBI had alleged that irregularities were committed while modifying the excise policy, undue favours were extended to license holders, the license fee was waived or reduced, and the L-1 license was extended without the competent authority’s approval.

Delhi Excise Policy Case: Delhi HC Dismisses Bail Petition Of BRS Leader K Kavitha

July 1, 2024, 5:52 pm

In a major development related to Delhi’s excise policy case, Delhi HC dismissed the bail petition of BRS leader K Kavitha in cases registered by both CBI and ED on Monday.

This judgement was given today by Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma. Earlier, the court had reserved its order on May 28 after hearing both ED and K Kavitha.

As per Kavitha’s counsel’s submission, Kavitha owing to her gender needs to consider her bail plea as the law keeps woman on a different pedestal.

While both ED and CBI on the other hand were against her bail emphasizing, that she can potentially influence witnesses.

Also, responding on woman clause, the agencies also contended, that a woman is playing a crucial role in this conspiracy and being an active politician, she cannot be kept at a same pedestal with that of vulnerable woman.

Meanwhile, K Kavitha is one of the politicians who was arrested in Delhi excise policy case, as she was a member of ‘South Group’, who allegedly paid AAP kickbacks of Rs 100 crore in exchange for bigger share in liquor licences in Delhi.

Delhi Excise Policy Case: Court Takes Notice On K Kavitha’s bail plea

May 10, 2024, 1:41 pm

The Delhi High Court has taken notice of a bail plea filed by Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Leader K Kavitha in connection with the money laundering case linked to the scrapped Excise policy of Delhi. Kavitha has also filed a bail plea in the CBI case, which is expected to be heard on Monday, after both her bail petitions were dismissed by a trial court.

May 24, 2024 has been set aside as the date of the hearing for the specific arguments in this case. In her appeal, Kavitha emphasised that she is a mother of two children, one of which is a juvenile who is under medical monitoring right now because of shock. She said that members of the Center’s ruling party had attempted to link her to the controversy.

Delhi High Court issues notice to Enforcement Directorate (ED) on a bail plea moved by BRS leader K Kavitha in the money laundering case pertaining to the scrapped Excise policy of Delhi. Court fixes May 24 for detailed hearing in the matter.

K Kavitha has also moved a bail plea…

— ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2024

She argued that the entire case of the Enforcement Directorate relies on statements made by witnesses or co-accused, without any corroborating evidence. Kavitha claimed that her arrest is illegal as certain legal provisions have not been complied with.

Moreover, she asserted that there is no evidence supporting the allegations of cash transactions or any money trail, and the satisfaction of guilt expressed in her arrest order is merely superficial. Kavitha accused the investigative agencies of using their powers to tarnish her reputation for political motives, particularly ahead of the 2024 general elections.

Kavitha was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on March 15, 2024, and subsequently by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on April 11, 2024. The CBI had stated that her custodial interrogation was necessary to unearth a larger conspiracy related to the Excise Policy and establish the money trail of ill-gotten gains.

Allegations of irregularities in modifying the excise policy, extending undue favors to license holders, and causing a loss to the exchequer have been made by the ED and CBI. These allegations include the refund of earnest money deposits and the waiver of license fees, resulting in significant financial losses.

Delhi Excise Policy Case: Court Rejects To Grant Bail Plea Of BRS Leader K Kavitha

May 6, 2024, 12:24 pm

The Rouse Avenue Court of Delhi dismissed the bail pleas filed by Bharatiya Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader K Kavitha on Monday in relation to cases by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) concerning the Excise policy case.

Special judge Kaveri Baweja issued the order on Monday, stating that both bail pleas, in both the ED and CBI cases, were rejected. A detailed copy of the order is awaited.

Senior Advocates Dr Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Vikram Chaudhari, along with advocates Nitesh Rana, Mohit Rao, and Deepak Nagar, represented K Kavitha in the matter.

In her plea, K Kavitha alleged that the ruling party at the Centre is employing investigative agencies to publicly link her to the Delhi Excise policy, aiming for further coercive actions against her. She argued that the investigating agencies are fully aware that there is no basis to the allegation of her involvement in the supposed scam. The petitioner contends that the intent behind the investigation against her is not to establish her role in the alleged scam, as it is evident that she is not involved.

Rouse Avenue Court of Delhi refuses to grant bail to BRS) leader K Kavitha in connection with ED and CBI cases related to the Delhi Excise Policy case.

(File photo) pic.twitter.com/zDsesF6k1j

— ANI (@ANI) May 6, 2024

Kavitha, currently in judicial custody for her alleged involvement in a money laundering case linked to the excise policy scam, was initially arrested by the ED from her residence in Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, on March 15. Later, on April 11, she was arrested by the CBI from Tihar jail.

Kavitha’s father and former Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao denied all allegations against her in the Delhi excise policy case. He accused the Centre of orchestrating the scam to assert control over the Aam Aadmi Party and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS). Rao argued that his daughter is innocent and criticized the prolonged detention of “such prominent leaders.”

Earlier the ED and CBI alleged irregularities in the modification of the excise policy, accusing the “prime suspects” of favoritism towards license holders, fee waivers or reductions, and unauthorized extensions of licenses.

In a related development, the Rouse Avenue Court dismissed the second bail petition of AAP leader Manish Sisodia, implicated in the Delhi excise policy scam, on April 28. Sisodia, in custody since February 26, 2023, sought bail citing trial delays in both CBI and ED cases. This was the second time his bail plea was rejected, following the dismissal of his first plea on March 31, 2023.

In an Excise Policy Case, BRS leader K Kavitha was placed in 3-day CBI custody

April 12, 2024, 6:03 pm

Leader of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), K Kavitha, was placed under three days of CBI remand by the Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi on Friday in relation to the excise policy issue. In the case, the CBI had requested five days of her being detained in custody.

After hearing all sides in great detail, Special Judge Kaveri Baweja made the decision to place her under CBI detention until April 15.

While in judicial custody in the ED case, the BRS leader—daughter of former Telangana chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao—was taken into custody by the CBI.

The remand request from the CBI said that “Kavitha Kalvakuntla was required to be arrested in the instant case to conduct her custodial interrogation for confronting her with the evidence and witnesses to unearth the larger conspiracy hatched among the accused/suspect persons regarding the formulation and implementation of the Excise Policy, as well as to establish the money trail of ill-gotten money generated and to establish the role of other accused/suspect persons, including public servants, as well as to unearth the facts which are in her exclusive knowledge.”

When requesting K Kavitha’s custodial remand, the CBI informed the court that one of the Aurbindo Group companies had paid a total of Rs 14 crore through a bank account transaction in July 2021. Of that amount, Rs 7 crore had been paid during the first week of July 2021, and the remaining Rs 7 crore had been paid in mid-November 2021.

Further information reveals that during November and December 2021, Kavitha requested that Sarath Chandra Reddy pay Rs 25 crore, at the rate of Rs 5 crore per zone, as previously decided, for the five retail zones assigned to him. She claimed that she had already paid Rs 100 crore upfront to the Aam Aadmi Party through Vijay Nair, the accused, in order to obtain favorable provisions in the excise policy, and she also pursued this through her associates, Arun R Pillai and Abhishek Boinpally.

However, according to the remand application, Kavitha threatened to ruin Sarath Chandra Reddy’s business in Delhi and Telengana under the Excise Policy when he refused to pay the money that was required.

The accused, Arun R Pillai, a business colleague of Kavitha, allegedly instructed Sarath Chandra Reddy not to pay the unpaid Indospirits for his retail zones on August 31, 2022, when the Delhi Excise Policy was revoked, according to the Central Bureau Investigation.

“Subsequently, the investigation into the Delhi Excise Policy matter started and thereafter, Arun R Pillai did not contact him in this regard,” CBI mentioned.

Senior Advocate Vikram Chaudhari, who was representing Kavitha, opposed the CBI’s request for remand along with Advocates Nitesh Rana, Mohit Rao, and Deepak Nagar. They argued that the arrest was made without the court’s consent or endorsement and that this means it will never pass legal muster.

“K Kavitha was lying in custody in the PMLA case. This Court is exercising distinct jurisdiction in the capacity of Special Judge (PMLA) vis-a-vis Special Judge (CBI). Both jurisdictions cannot overlap and the CBI cannot use them to violate the procedures established by law,” the attorney submitted.

Additionally, the defence team said that K Kavitha, the applicant, is a well-known and widely respected leader of a national political party, and she is now serving as a Telangana MLC.

“The Lok Sabha Polls in the State of Telangana are scheduled to commence shortly and the entire exercise of arrest, especially the mode, manner and timing thereof, gives rise to the legitimate bona fide belief that the same is obliquely motivated at the behest of certain vested interests solely aimed at denying the level playing field in the realm of elections to a formidable opposition party. Rather, a more worrisome feature is that the investigations are neither free nor fair, impartial or unbiased, thereby rendering the rule of law a casualty,” they submitted.

On March 15 of this year, ED detained Kavitha in connection with the purported liquor policy scam.

According to officials, the report submitted by the Delhi Chief Secretary in July indicated prima facie violations of the GNCTD Act 1991, the Transaction of Business Rules (ToBR) 1993, the Delhi Excise Act 2009, and the Delhi Excise Rules 2010. These findings led to the recommendation for a CBI investigation.

The CBI and the ED had claimed that improper actions were taken when changing the excise policy, that license holders received undue favors, that the license fee was lowered or waived, and that the L-1 license was prolonged without the consent of the appropriate authority.

The investigating agencies claimed that in order to avoid being discovered, the recipients made fraudulent entries in their books of account and transferred “illegal” income to the accused officials.

Allegations state that the Excise Department chose to violate the regulations by returning the roughly Rs 30 crore earnest money deposit to the victorious tenderer. The investigation agency claimed that despite the lack of an enabling law, a waiver on tendering licence payments was granted from December 28, 2021, to January 27, 2022, because of COVID-19, and that the exchequer allegedly lost Rs 144.36 crore as a result.

BLS leader K Kavitha produced before court in Delhi excise policy case

April 12, 2024, 12:20 pm

K Kavitha, the leader of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), made an appearance in court on Friday morning at Rouse Avenue after being detained by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in relation to a suspected liquor policy fraud. The Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was approached by a spirits businessman from the “South Group” who was looking for support with his business. Kejriwal allegedly promised this support, and the CBI used this evidence to request a five-day jail detention for Kavitha. Significant evidence, the CBI alleged, including statements from people connected to the case and conversations on WhatsApp.

The central probe agency elaborated, stating, “Dinesh Arora, an accused turned approver, confirmed in his statement that Abhishek Boinpally informed about the transfer of Rs 100 crores to Vijay Nair. Statements from Hawala operators corroborate payments totaling Rs 11.9 crores. Chats recovered from Buchibabu indicate her involvement in a partnership with Indospririts. Despite being blacklisted, licenses were allegedly granted to Indospririts due to pressure from accused Manish Sisodia.”

Kavitha, daughter of former Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao, was arrested by the CBI while already in judicial custody for a money laundering case. The CBI arrested her on Thursday for her alleged involvement in the liquor policy scam under sections of criminal conspiracy and falsification of accounts, among others.

Previously, on April 6, Kavitha was examined by the CBI in Tihar Jail in connection with the case. The CBI informed Special Judge Kaveri Baweja that they had already conducted the examination on April 6 and opted not to file any further reply.

The Delhi Court had granted permission on April 5, 2024, for the CBI to examine Kavitha during her judicial custody in Tihar Jail at any time during the ensuing week. Through their application, the CBI sought court authorization to interrogate Kavitha and record her statement regarding WhatsApp chats recovered from Buchi Babu’s phone and documents related to a land deal allegedly involving a payment of Rs 100 crores to the Aam Aadmi Party in kickbacks.

On Tuesday, the Rouse Avenue Court remanded K Kavitha to judicial custody until April 23, 2024. This came after her recent arrest by the Directorate of Enforcement in connection with a money laundering case linked to the Delhi excise policy.

K Kavitha arrested by CBI over liquor policy case while interrogation in Tihar Jail

April 11, 2024, 3:03 pm

Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader K Kavitha was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation inside Tihar Jail in connection with an alleged money-laundering case related to the Delhi liquor policy. This arrest follows recent questioning by the probe agency while she was in judicial custody. Kavitha, daughter of former Telangana chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao, is accused of being a key member of the “South Group,” which purportedly offered kickbacks of ₹100 crore to the ruling AAP in Delhi in exchange for a significant portion of liquor licenses in the national capital.

She was remanded to 14-day judicial custody last Tuesday. The 46-year-old was initially arrested on March 15 by the Enforcement Directorate from her residence in Banjara Hills, Hyderabad. CBI officials later questioned Kavitha inside the prison after obtaining permission from a special court. The interrogation focused on WhatsApp chats recovered from co-accused Buchi Babu’s phone and documents related to a land deal, allegedly involving a payment of ₹100 crore to AAP as kickbacks to influence the excise policy in favor of a liquor lobby in Delhi. CBI officials visited Tihar Jail on Saturday to further interrogate Kavitha on these aspects of the case.

In a letter to the court, Kavitha expressed her view that the investigation by central agencies, which she referred to as a “media trial,” has damaged her reputation and infringed upon her privacy.”I’m a victim. My personal and political reputation has been targeted. My mobile phone is displayed on all television channels, directly invading my privacy,” she stated in the letter, which was read out in court by her lawyer.”I have cooperated with the agencies and provided all the bank account details. I will surrender all the mobile phones that the ED claims I have destroyed,” the letter concluded.

“We have already examined K Kavitha on April 6 in excise case”: CBI to Delhi Court

April 10, 2024, 2:09 pm

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) informed the Delhi court that BRS leader K Kavitha was examined on April 6 in Tihar Jail in connection with the excise policy case. Kavitha had challenged the permission granted to the CBI to question her in jail, but the CBI counsel stated that they had already examined her.

Special Judge Kaveri Baweja adjourned the matter to April 26 for arguments on Kavitha’s application. Kavitha’s counsel expressed the desire to argue the application but mentioned that they had not yet been provided with a copy of the CBI’s response.

In her plea, Kavitha stated that the CBI had filed a plea without her knowledge, and she feared that the CBI might not have disclosed all the facts to obtain a favorable order. She requested the court to withhold its order until she had the opportunity to present her side.

Earlier, on April 5, the Delhi Court had allowed the CBI’s plea to examine K Kavitha during her judicial custody in Tihar Jail on any day of the coming week. The CBI sought permission to question Kavitha regarding WhatsApp chats recovered from Buchi Babu’s phone and documents related to a land deal, post which 100 crores were allegedly paid to Aam Aadmi Party in kickbacks.

“K Kavitha, a Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLC, was sent to judicial custody until April 23, 2024, by the Rouse Avenue Court. She was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the Delhi excise policy-linked money laundering case,” the ED said.

“The ED arrested K. Kavitha MLC, Telangana Legislative Council, on March 15, 2024, in the case of the alleged liquor policy scam. The ED’s investigation revealed that K. Kavitha conspired with AAP leaders to gain favors in the Delhi Excise policy formulation and implementation, allegedly paying Rs. 100 crore to AAP leaders in exchange,” the ED added.

“Assets worth Rs. 128.79 crore, generated from the alleged illegal funds, have been traced so far and attached through provisional attachment orders. The CBI inquiry was recommended based on findings of prima facie violations in the GNCTD Act 1991, Transaction of Business Rules (ToBR)-1993, Delhi Excise Act-2009, and Delhi Excise Rules-2010,” the ED stated.

“The probe agencies alleged that irregularities were committed while modifying the excise policy, extending undue favors to license holders, waiving or reducing license fees, and extending L-1 licenses without proper approvals. The alleged irregularities led to an alleged loss of Rs 144.36 crore to the exchequer,” the ED added.

Court rejects interim bail to BRS leader Kavitha in Excise policy case

April 8, 2024, 11:57 am

The Rouse Avenue court in the national capital rejected Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLC K Kavitha’s detailed interim bail application on Monday, which she filed citing her minor son’s school examinations.

Kavitha is currently in judicial custody following her remand by the ED in the excise policy case. The interim bail plea was dismissed by Special Judge Kaveri Baweja, though a comprehensive bail order is still pending upload.

The ED opposed Kavitha’s bail plea, alleging that she tampered with evidence on her phone and coerced witnesses into retracting their statements. Despite Kavitha’s plea for bail due to her son’s exams, the court sided with the ED’s arguments.

Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Kavitha, argued that exceptions under Section 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) should apply to her as a woman. Singhvi emphasized the emotional support needed for Kavitha’s minor child during the exams.

However, advocate Zoheb Hossain, the special counsel for ED, countered these arguments, presenting evidence of Kavitha’s involvement in destroying evidence and influencing witnesses.

Hossain highlighted instances where Kavitha deleted data from her phone and tampered with multiple devices. He argued against granting interim relief to Kavitha, citing the ongoing investigative efforts and the risk of her influencing the probe.

Additionally, the ED counsel referred to statements made by Arun Pillai, indicating further complications in the case.

K Kavitha produced in court in Delhi excise policy scam; claims case against her is “political laundering”

March 26, 2024, 12:56 pm

Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader K Kavitha, currently in Enforcement Directorate (ED) custody regarding a suspected liquor case, stated on Tuesday that the accusations against her do not pertain to money laundering but rather to what she terms as “political laundering.”

Addressing the Rouse Avenue Court as her ED custody period in the Delhi excise policy money laundering case ended, Kavitha argued, “This is not a money laundering case but a political laundering case. It is a fabricated and false case.” She further asserted, “One accused has joined BJP, the second accused is getting a BJP ticket and the third accused has given 50 crore in electoral bonds. This is a political laundering case, we will come out clean.”

The Enforcement Directorate, seeking judicial custody for Kavitha, informed the Rouse Avenue Court that during her custody, they had taken her statement, conducted interrogations, and confronted her with various individuals and digital records.

Kavitha, a Member of Legislative Council (MLC) from Telangana and daughter of former Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, was arrested in Hyderabad on March 15 and subsequently remanded to ED custody a day later following a search operation at her Hyderabad residence.

Previously, the Supreme Court declined to consider K Kavitha’s bail plea in the Delhi excise policy case, instructing her to seek an expeditious decision on the bail application from the trial court.

The Enforcement Directorate has previously alleged that Kavitha, an MLC from BRS, conspired with top leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), including Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia, to gain advantages in the formulation and execution of the Delhi Excise policy, involving a payment of Rs 100 crore to AAP leaders for these favors.

The case originated from a report submitted by Delhi Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar to Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena in July 2022, highlighting alleged procedural lapses in the policy formulation, leading to financial losses estimated at over Rs 580 crore.

In its first prosecution complaint in November 2021, the ED asserted that the policy was crafted with deliberate loopholes, promoting cartel formations to benefit AAP leaders, who allegedly received kickbacks from the “South Group” to the tune of Rs 100 crore.

Kavitha’s arrest is reportedly linked to her association with this “South Group.”

Meanwhile, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal was remanded to ED custody for seven days, until March 28, following his arrest by the probe agency in connection with the Delhi Excise Policy case.

K Kavitha’s custody extended till March 26, she claims “arrest illegal will fight in court”

March 23, 2024, 3:52 pm

The Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi has extended BRS leader K. Kavitha’s ED remand until March 26. As she was brought before the court on Saturday, she alleged that her arrest is illegal and stated that she intends to contest it in court.

Kavitha told reporters, “This is an illegal arrest. We are going to fight it out in court. It is a political case, a fabricated case, a false case. We are fighting it out. There is nothing new, they are asking the same things again and again.”

“Why so many arrests during election time. political arrest. ECI should intervene,” she added after the verdict was read out.

The BRS leader was produced before the Special Judge in connection with the Delhi Excise Policy case, as her ED custody ended on that day. The ED had applied for an extension of K. Kavitha’s remand for another five days.

The national probe agency, while seeking a further five days’ remand of the BRS leader, informed the court that searches are underway at her nephew Mekha Saran’s residence.

Earlier on Friday, the Supreme Court declined to entertain K Kavitha’s bail plea in the Delhi excise policy case and directed her to approach the trial court, stating that the bail application, if filed, should be decided expeditiously.

A bench of justices Sanjiv Khanna, MM Sundresh, and Bela M Trivedi remarked that it has to follow a uniform policy for all and cannot allow people to approach the top court directly for bail as they are political figures.

The court said that Kavitha could move the trial court or use any other remedy for bail. It directed that if a bail application is filed, it should be decided expeditiously.

K Kavitha, through her advocate P Mohith Rao, moved the Supreme Court on Monday challenging her arrest by the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering case relating to Delhi excise policy irregularities.

Kavitha, who was arrested by an ED team on March 15, is in ED’s custodial interrogation for seven days. She was arrested after a search operation conducted at her residence in Hyderabad on the same day.

In her petition, the BRS leader has also challenged her remand and stated that the remand order does not adhere to Article 141, which states that the law declared by the Supreme Court shall be binding on all courts within the territory of India. K Kavitha in her plea also challenged section 19 (1) of the PMLA Act.

Earlier, the Enforcement Directorate claimed that Kavitha allegedly conspired with the top leaders of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) including Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia to get favors in the Delhi Excise policy formulation and implementation, and she was involved in paying Rs 100 crore to the AAP leaders in exchange for these favors.

ED’s claims came three days after it arrested Kavitha, MLC of Telangana Legislative Council, in the alleged case of Delhi Liquor Policy Scam.

Meanwhile, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal was remanded to the custody of the Enforcement Directorate for seven days, till March 28, a day after he was arrested by the probe agency in connection with the Delhi Excise Policy case.

Two senior AAP leaders, Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh, are in judicial custody in the excise policy case. Sisodia, who was the then Delhi Deputy Chief Minister, was arrested by the CBI on February 26 following several rounds of questioning. On October 5, ED arrested Sanjay Singh, who is a Rajya Sabha member.

SC likely to hear CM Kejriwal’s petition against arrest today; Delhi police prepares for AAP’s Protests

March 22, 2024, 9:41 am

After the Enforcement Directorate arrested Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the alleged liquor policy scam, battlelines have been drawn, with his Aam Aadmi Party announcing nationwide protests outside BJP offices today.

The Supreme Court is expected to hear Mr. Kejriwal’s petition against his arrest today, following its denial of an urgent hearing in his plea against the raids. Meanwhile, the probe agency will present the Chief Minister in an ED court.

For security measures, all roads leading to the Aam Aadmi Party headquarters have been closed, permitting only pedestrians. The AAP has called upon all its office-bearers, ministers, and councillors to gather at the main office at 10 am.

Water cannons and paramilitary forces have been stationed on the DDU road, leading to the BJP headquarters. Additionally, the ITO Metro station will remain closed from 8 am to 6 pm today, as per the advice of the Delhi Police, stated the Delhi Metro.

Mr. Kejriwal’s arrest, just ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, has triggered protests by thousands of party workers and condemnation from the Opposition. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is expected to visit Mr. Kejriwal’s family today.

The AAP has asserted that Mr. Kejriwal will continue to perform his chief ministerial duties from jail, a situation that legal experts suggest may lead to a constitutional crisis.

The Enforcement Directorate, probing a money laundering angle in the alleged liquor policy scam, has labeled Mr. Kejriwal as a “conspirator.” The agency visited Mr. Kejriwal’s home with a search warrant after he failed to respond to nine summonses. Following a search and questioning session, the agency arrested him around 9 pm, seizing phones and data from his home. Mr. Kejriwal spent the night in an ED lock-up after a medical check-up from the RML hospital.

Delhi Minister Atishi has denounced the arrest as a “conspiracy by the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” affirming that Mr. Kejriwal will retain his position as Delhi Chief Minister.

In a post-midnight press conference, the AAP announced nationwide protests against the BJP on Friday. In Delhi, the protest will occur outside the BJP headquarters.

Mr. Kejriwal’s arrest comes shortly after BRS leader K Kavitha’s arrest in the liquor policy case, with Mr. Kejriwal being named as a conspirator following Ms. Kavitha’s detention

BRS leaders protest over K Kavitha’s detention in Telangana

March 16, 2024, 1:39 pm

Leaders of the Bharat Rastra Samiti (BRS) conducted demonstrations across various parts of Telangana on Thursday in response to the arrest of party legislator K Kavitha by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with an alleged money laundering case linked to the Delhi excise policy. The protests took place at Siddhipet’s old bus stand, where the leaders voiced their dissent. However, the police intervened and detained the protestors.

Local BRS MLAs Rajashekar Reddy and Laxma Reddy, along with their supporters, organized a protest in Hyderabad at Uppal Radhika X Roads and Malkajgiri X Roads. They were heard chanting the slogan “ED Modi ek hai”. Subsequently, the police detained them and transferred them to the local police station.

Meanwhile, K Kavitha, who was apprehended from her residence in Bajara Hills, Hyderabad, on Friday, was presented before the Rouse Avenue Court in the national capital on Saturday. Kavitha, a Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) and the daughter of BRS founder and former Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, expressed her view to reporters, stating that “it is an illegal arrest.”

This action by the ED comes nearly two months after issuing a summons to the 45-year-old BRS leader. Last year, she was interrogated three times in connection with this case, with the central agency recording her statement under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

In the arrest order, the ED investigation officer stated, “I believe that Smt. Kalvakuntla Kavitha residing at H. No. 8-2316/S/H, Road No 14, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana-500034 has been guilty of an offence punishable under the provision of Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (15 of 2003).” Furthermore, the officer executed the arrest of Kavitha at 05:20 pm on 15.03.2024, and she was duly informed of the grounds for her arrest.

BRS leader Kavitha appears before Delhi Court in excise policy case

March 16, 2024, 12:51 pm

Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) lawmaker K Kavitha appeared before the Rouse Avenue Court in New Delhi on Saturday in relation to the alleged money laundering case linked to the Delhi excise policy. Kavitha, a Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) and the daughter of BRS founder and former Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, was taken into custody following a day-long interrogation and a raid at her Hyderabad residence on Friday.

Before her court appearance, Kavitha stated to reporters, “it is an illegal arrest.” She was presented before Special Judge MK Nagpal at the Rouse Avenue court.

In the arrest order, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigation officer stated, “I believe that Smt. Kalvakuntla Kavitha…has been guilty of an offence punishable under the provisions of Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (15 of 2003).” The officer further added, “Now, therefore, in exercise of the power conferred upon me…I hereby arrest the said Smt. Kalvakuntla Kavitha…”

This action follows nearly two months after the ED issued a summons to the 45-year-old BRS leader. She had been questioned three times last year in connection with this case, with her statement recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Earlier today, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also appeared before the Rouse Avenue Court in the national capital in response to an Enforcement Directorate summons. The court later granted him bail in both complaints filed by the Enforcement Directorate.

Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) Divya Malhotra granted bail to the Delhi CM, with bail set at Rs 15,000 and a surety of Rs 1 lakh.

Kejriwal’s appearance followed summons issued to him based on two complaints by the ED regarding the Delhi Excise Policy case. The court reserved an order on the stay of summons issued to Kejriwal on complaints filed by the ED.

Telangana: Poll officials examine vehicle of K Kavitha, second time this month

November 19, 2023, 11:59 am

In preparation for the Telangana Assembly elections on November 30, Election Commission officials examined the car of ruling Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLC K Kavitha on Sunday. This was the second time this month that such an inspection had taken place. The BRS leader was on her way to Dharmapuri to campaign for the polls scheduled for November 30 when her car was stopped by poll panel officials at the Chalgal checkpoint in Karim Nagar, according to sources.

“Officials of the Election Commission checked the car of BRS MLC Kalvakuntla Kavitha at Chalgal check post while she was on her way to Dharmapuri to campaign for the Assembly elections,” a party source said.
A video of the purported checking of her vehicle was shared widely on social media.
In the video clip, Kavitha is purportedly seen getting out of her vehicle and watching from the sidelines as an official from the poll panel proceeds to check her vehicle.
Following the checking, the BRS leader drove off for the scheduled campaign event, sources informed.
On November 7, the officials of the Election Commission had similarly checked her vehicle in Nizamabad.
Earlier, on Saturday, Kavitha was seen fainting on Saturday during an election campaign in Telangana’s Itikyal.

K Kavitha:”No guarantee if today’s INDIA Alliance will exist tomorrow”

September 28, 2023, 1:40 pm

According to MLC K Kavitha of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), there is no guarantee that the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) alliance of today will still exist tomorrow. On August 2, the leader of the BRS and chief minister of Telangana, K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR), made it clear that neither the INDIA alliance nor the NDA are his party’s allies. “There is no assurance that the INDIA Alliance of today will still exist tomorrow. Prior to that, there will be state elections and seat-sharing disagreements for the upcoming Parliament election. After that, things would be different, said K Kavitha.

She further said that when the results of the Parliament elections come, the situation would change after that too.
“Historically, pre-poll alliances have not been very successful in this country. So, we will definitely wait. But BRS is a national party with a national agenda and a universal agenda. It is not like the Congress party with one agenda in Karnataka and another agenda in Telangana,” she added.

Kavitha continued to criticize the BJP, claiming that because the group hasn’t done anything for Telangana in the previous ten years, Telangana will suffer the same electoral outcomes as Karnataka. “In the South, people constantly consider which party is addressing the problems specific to their region the most, so the outcome here will differ from that. Since the BJP has done nothing for Telangana over the past ten years, she predicted that Telangana would experience similar electoral failure as Karnataka. The opposition parties earlier adopted resolutions to jointly run in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections after their third meeting, which took place in Maharashtra from August 31 to September 1.

Four major committees were formed after a two-day meeting of the opposition Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance coalition, which included representatives from all the political parties.

Delhi Excise policy case : ED has summoned K Kavitha once again

September 14, 2023, 2:29 pm

According to sources, the Directorate of Enforcement has called Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLC Kalvakuntla Kavitha to participate in the investigation into the Delhi Excise policy case on Friday. More than a dozen individuals who were involved in the scam’s cash transactions were also summoned, according to the sources. Earlier this year in March, the ED called Telangana CM K Chandrashekhar Rao’s daughter K Kavitha in connection with the investigation into the case involving the Delhi liquor policy. She was previously called to appear before the ED in the Delhi Excise Scam after it was claimed that she was a vital component of the South Cartel.

Kavitha, who is a member of the Telangana Legislative Council, was questioned by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the same case in December last year.
ED has so far filed five charge sheets in the case, including against Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Manish Sisodia.

ED submitted its initial chargesheet in the case last year. According to the agency, it has so far conducted nearly 200 search operations in this case after filing an FIR and taking cognizance of a CBI case that was opened on the lieutenant governor of Delhi’s recommendation. According to officials, prima facie evidence of violations of the GNCTD Act 1991, Transaction of Business Rules (ToBR)-1993, Delhi Excise Act-2009, and Delhi Excise Rules-2010 was presented in the Delhi Chief Secretary’s report, which was submitted in July of last year.

Guwahati: BRS MLC K Kavitha offers prayers at Kamakhya temple

September 11, 2023, 7:08 pm

Kalvakuntla Kavitha of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) visited Guwahati on Monday to pray at the Kamakhya Temple. The former Nizamabad MP is in town for two days to pray at the Kamakhya Devi Temple.

Taking to social media platform, X, Kavitha said, “Stepping into the divine aura of Kamakhya Devi Temple, a beacon of strength, faith, and devotion. I prayed for the well-being, healthy life and prosperity of loved ones, well-wishers and the people of Telangana.”

Upon her arrival at the temple, Telangana Chief Minister KCR’s daughter stated that, with the blessings of the people of Telangana, BRS will return to power with a landslide and will continue to serve our people.

K Kavitha urges all 47 political parties to unite and pass Women’s Reservation Bill

September 5, 2023, 10:56 am

K Kavitha, an MLC for the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), wrote a letter to the leaders of all 47 political parties on Tuesday, including West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, urging them to put aside their differences and give the Women’s Reservation Bill their top priority during the upcoming special session of Parliament. According to the Women’s Reservation Bill, women would be given 33% of the seats in the Lok Sabha and state legislative bodies. The Bill has been in legislative limbo for far too long, despite being an essential step toward gender parity and inclusive governance.

In her letter, the BRS MLC Kavitha underscored the pivotal role women play in Indian discourse and the pressing need for their representation in legislative bodies. She highlighted the proof of concept provided by the 14 lakh women already active in public life, demonstrating their ability to lead and govern effectively.
Emphasising the importance of inclusivity in our democracy, K Kavitha asserted that increased women’s representation is not a matter of exclusivity but a means to build a more equitable and balanced political landscape.

The daughter of Telangana Chief Minister KCR urged political party leaders, including Bharatiya Janata Party chief JP Nadda, Akhilesh Yadav of the Samajwadi Party, MK Stalin of the DMK, Sharad Pawar of the NCP, Mallikarjun Kharge of the Congress, and Jagan Mohan Reddy of the YSRCP, to recognize the urgency of this issue and support the Women’s Reservation Bill.

Delhi liquor policy case: BRS MLC K Kavitha arrives at ED office for questioning

March 21, 2023, 1:08 pm

K Kavitha, Bharat Rashtra Samiti MLC, arrived at the Enforcement Directorate’s office on Tuesday for questioning in the Delhi Liquor Policy Case.

She was questioned by the ED yesterday over her alleged involvement in the Delhi spirits policy case for more than ten hours. After the federal agency on 16 March issued a new summons to the BRS leader to join its ongoing probe in the case, Kavitha showed up before ED on Monday.

In response to Kavitha’s refusal to appear at the ED interview on Thursday, citing an ongoing Supreme Court petition, the federal agency issued a new summons.

Kavitha declined to show up for interrogation, informing the investigation team that the case is still being heard by the Supreme Court.

The sources claim that Kavitha has supplied the required paperwork requested by the investigation team via her solicitor.

Because she was allegedly a crucial player in the south cartel, the ED had called her earlier this month and asked her to appear before it on Thursday in the Delhi Excise scandal.

The BRS leader petitioned the Supreme Court for an urgent hearing, arguing that since she is a woman, the investigatory body’s officials must go to her instead of summoning her to the ED office.

The Supreme Court had agreed on Wednesday to hear her appeal against the ED summons but had declined to provide her temporary relief.

Arun Ramchandra Pillai, a businessman from Hyderabad, is one of the key players in the alleged scheme that involved payments of significant bribes and the creation of the largest cartel in the South Group, according to information obtained by the ED during its probe.

Liquor policy case: K Kavitha reaches ED office

March 20, 2023, 12:36 pm

MLC of Bharatiya Rashtriya Samiti and CM of Telangana, K Chandrashekhar Rao’s daughter K Kavitha reaches at the ED office on Monday after being summoned by the agency for connection with the Delhi liquor policy case.

On 16 March, the ED issued a fresh summon to Kavitha to join its ongoing investigation in the case on 20 March. The Federal agency issued fresh summons after Kavitha refused to attend the interrogation before ED on Thursday.

The agency issued the summons as they cited the petition in SC. As per reports, Kavitha had not appeared before the court for questioning as the case is still pending before the Apex Court.

The daughter of the Chief Minister has already sent the necessary documents asked by the agency through her legal representative.

Earlier this month, the ED had summoned her to appear before the agency on Thursday, alleging that she is a key member of the south cartel. The leader of BRS had approached the Apex Court for an urgent hearing.

The leader claimed that as a woman, she couldn’t be summoned by the ED office instead of the representative of ED must visit her.

BRS leader K Kavitha tries to put pressure on govt to bring Women’s Reservation Bill

March 15, 2023, 1:55 pm

BRS leader K Kavitha has been raising the issue of the Women’s Reservation Bill to increase the representation of women in the Parliament.

She said in Parliament on Wednesday that “the women’s Reservation Bill should be immediately brought. It will also help increase women’s participation in Parliament. For this, we are organizing a round table meeting. Those who support this bill are called today. We are trying to put pressure on the government to pass this bill. We have requested Congress to participate”.

Further, she slammed the central government, saying, “Whoever speaks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi is called and questioned. It is wrong, everyone has the right to ask questions. They (BJP) first raided business houses and tried to control them, then they tried to control political parties”. “We will fight,We have not done anything wrong. Whenever we will be called by them (ED) we will go and answer,”.

To introduce the Women’s Reservation Bill in the ongoing budget session of Parliament, the BRS MLC also went on a hunger strike on Friday in Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. Earlier today, the Supreme Court agreed to list K Kavitha’s plea against the ED summons to her in the Delhi excise police case, on 24 March.

However, the apex court refused to grant her any interim relief in the matter. Kavitha was questioned by the ED on 11 March in connection with the case. She will be again summoned by the ED on 16 March in the matter.

18 parties go on hunger strike in Delhi tomorrow: MLC Kavitha

March 9, 2023, 4:16 pm

K Kavitha, an MLC for the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and the daughter of Telangana CM K Chandrashekar Rao, announced on Thursday that a hunger strike would take place in the nation’s capital on 10 March and that 18 political parties will committed to taking part in the protest to demand the introduction of the Women’s Reservation Bill during the current session of Parliament.

She also added that she will face the Enforcement Directorate as she has not done anything wrong. BRS leader K Kavitha, who received a summons from ED for questioning in the Delhi excise police case, said that if a woman has to be interrogated by the central agency, then, as per law, she has “fundamental rights” to be questioned at her home, she added during a press conference.

“We released a poster on hunger strike on March 2 in Delhi over the Women’s Reservation Bill. Up until now, 18 parties have confirmed their registration… ED summoned me on March 9. I request for 16 March but don’t know what haste they’re in, so I agreed for 11 March.” “When an agency wants to interrogate a woman, she has a fundamental right that it be done at her home,” she added.

Delhi Excise Policy scam: Security augmented outside K Kavitha’s residence ahead of CBI questioning

December 11, 2022, 12:57 pm

Security was stepped up near the Telangana Rashtra Samithi MLC K Kavitha’s residence hours before she was scheduled to be questioned by the Central Bureau of Investigation on Sunday in connection with the Delhi Excise Policy scam.

Nobody is permitted to move close to her house because the police have set up barricades there. The top leadership of the TRS has reportedly told party members not to excessively congregate at the home, according to TRS sources.
“We will fully cooperate with the agency,” the sources said.
Kavitha will be questioned at her Banjara Hills house in Hyderabad.
Several posters with the tagline “daughter of warrior shall never fear” were seen in Hyderabad the day before the TRS leader was questioned by the CBI.
“We are with Kavithakka”, read the posters.
Kavitha, daughter of the Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao on December 6 said she would be available for questioning at her residence at 11 am on December 11 in connection with the Delhi Excise Policy case.
Kavitha responded after receiving a letter from the CBI informing her that they would visit her house on December 11 at 11 a.m. and take a statement from her regarding the case.
Due to her busy schedule, Kavitha had previously written to the investigation agency to request that the summons, which was originally scheduled on December 6, be postponed to any time between December 11 and 15 (excluding 13). She had already been called by the CBI on December 6 about the matter.
Manish Sisodia, the deputy chief minister of Delhi, is charged in the case. After Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena suggested a CBI probe into the situation, the Delhi government’s new excise policy was abandoned.
The deputy chief minister of Delhi, Manish Sisodia, was listed in the FIR in connection with the scandal but was not named in the charge sheet by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the liquor scam in Delhi.
Vijay Nair, the AAP’s director of communications, and Hyderabad-based businessman Abhishek Boinpally were among the seven defendants listed in the charge sheet.