The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) opposed the bail pleas of BRS leader K Kavitha in corruption and money laundering cases linked to the alleged excise policy scam, citing her alleged influence and power to sway witnesses.
During the hearing, Kavitha’s counsel argued for her release on bail, highlighting her gender, but the probe agencies countered, asserting her pivotal role in the purported scam and her status as an active politician.
Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma of the Delhi High Court reserved the orders on her bail applications following arguments from both sides.
The CBI claimed that Kavitha, being a highly influential woman, had the power to sway witnesses, one of whom alleged she threatened him. Similarly, the ED contended that she was a co-conspirator and a beneficiary of the excise scam.
According to the ED’s reply to Kavitha’s bail application, her release could hamper further investigation into the alleged conspiracy. The agency claimed she conspired with others, facilitated kickbacks, and established a money laundering ecosystem.
Kavitha, challenging the trial court’s order dismissing her bail applications, asserted that she was the lone woman among the accused and urged the court to consider her bail plea.
The “scam” relates to alleged corruption and money laundering in the formulation and implementation of Delhi government’s excise policy for 2021-22. Kavitha, daughter of former Telangana chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao, has been in judicial custody since her arrest.
The ED arrested her from her Banjara Hills residence in Hyderabad on March 15, while the CBI apprehended her from Tihar jail.
The court reserved its orders, leaving the fate of Kavitha’s bail applications to be decided at a later date.