In a significant development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned K Kavitha, a prominent leader of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and the daughter of Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, for questioning in the Delhi excise policy case. This summons comes as part of an ongoing investigation into the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy and the alleged payment of kickbacks to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders.
Kavitha had previously been questioned by the ED in March of this year, and now, she faces a fresh round of inquiries regarding her role in influencing the policy and her alleged involvement in bribery allegations.
The ED’s investigation revolves around allegations that Kavitha was in contact with Vijay Nair, AAP’s communication in-charge. Nair is believed to have met with liquor businessmen and politicians during the formulation and implementation of the excise policy. Kavitha’s involvement in these interactions is of particular interest to investigators.
Additionally, Kavitha is expected to be questioned about her association with Sameer Mahendru’s Indospirits Group. The investigation focuses on the control of multiple retail zones in Delhi by this group and the advance payment of kickbacks, reportedly amounting to Rs. 100 crore, to AAP leaders. Kavitha was allegedly a member of the South Group involved in these transactions.
During her previous interrogation by the ED, Kavitha was confronted with statements made by Butchibabu Gorantla, her former chartered accountant, and Arun Ramchandra Pillai, who represented her interests during multiple meetings with Nair and others involved in the case.
Both Gorantla and Pillai were arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in February and March, respectively. These arrests are part of the broader investigation into the Delhi excise policy and the alleged irregularities surrounding it.
The ED’s probe has shed light on a political understanding between K Kavitha and top AAP leaders, including Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia. According to Butchibabu’s statement to the ED, Kavitha had met with Vijay Nair in March 2021, where Nair purportedly discussed the policy’s potential benefits for her. The understanding was that, in exchange for favorable policies and advantages in the Delhi liquor business, funds would be provided to AAP.
This case has raised questions about the alleged nexus between politicians, businesses, and policies, underscoring the importance of a transparent and accountable political system. The ED’s investigation continues, and K Kavitha is scheduled to appear before the agency for further questioning on Friday.
As this case unfolds, it remains a subject of intense scrutiny in the Indian political landscape, highlighting the need for thorough investigations and adherence to legal processes in matters of governance and policymaking.
Sources By Agencies
