In a recent development that has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, a Delhi court has remanded Bharat Rashtra Samiti (BRS) legislator and daughter of former Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, K Kavitha, to Enforcement Directorate (ED) custody for a week. This decision follows her arrest in connection with the Delhi excise policy case.
The courtroom drama unfolded with Kavitha’s counsel arguing vehemently against what they termed as a “blatant abuse of power.” Senior Advocate Vikram Chaudhary contended that Kavitha’s arrest violated an effective stay on her arrest, at least until March 19, as assured by an Additional Solicitor General (ASG) before the Supreme Court.
However, the ED refuted these claims, stating that no such assurance was given regarding refraining from coercive action. The trial court questioned the urgency of Kavitha’s arrest just days before her case was scheduled to be heard in the Supreme Court.
The ED’s allegations against Kavitha revolve around her alleged links to a “South Group” lobby of liquor traders involved in the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy. It’s claimed that kickbacks to the tune of at least ₹100 crores were received by one of the accused on behalf of AAP leaders from this group, allegedly controlled by Kavitha among others.
Kavitha has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, accusing the Central government of misusing the ED for political gain in Telangana. Her arrest marks the latest in a series of high-profile political figures implicated in the excise policy case, including former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh.
Amidst these developments, Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi, also appeared before the Rouse Avenue Court in connection with the same case. The ED has filed a complaint against Kejriwal for non-compliance with summons, highlighting the intensifying legal and political battles surrounding the issue.
As the case unfolds, it underscores the intersection of law, politics, and power dynamics, raising questions about the impartiality of law enforcement agencies and the accountability of elected officials. The coming days promise to be pivotal as the legal proceedings continue to unravel the complexities of this high-stakes controversy.
