In a recent development, Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court has ordered the judicial custody of Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader K Kavitha until April 23, 2024, in connection with an excise policy case. The decision came after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) did not seek her custodial remand, citing lack of cooperation.
K Kavitha was physically produced before the court following the end of her three-day remand granted during the previous hearing. Special Judge Kaveri Baweja noted the necessity for detailed interrogation based on the material collected by the investigating agency.
The court emphasized the importance of confronting K Kavitha with evidence and witnesses to unearth a larger conspiracy in the matter. The CBI, in its remand application, highlighted the need for her custodial interrogation to establish the money trail of ill-gotten gains and to uncover the roles of other accused individuals, including public servants.
K Kavitha’s arrest by the CBI occurred while she was already in judicial custody in connection with a case by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) related to an alleged liquor policy scam. The ED had arrested K Kavitha, a Member of the Legislative Council in Telangana, on March 15, 2024.
The allegations against K Kavitha and others involve irregularities in modifying the excise policy, extending undue favors to license holders, and unauthorized waiving or reduction of license fees. The probe agencies also suspect diversion of illegal gains to accused officials and falsification of account records to evade detection.
Among the specific irregularities highlighted is the refunding of earnest money deposit amounting to about Rs 30 crore to a successful tenderer, contrary to established rules. Additionally, a waiver on tendered license fees, allegedly without a proper enabling provision, resulted in an alleged loss of Rs 144.36 crore to the exchequer.
The CBI inquiry stemmed from findings in a report by the Delhi Chief Secretary, which indicated prima facie violations of various laws and regulations governing the excise policy. These include the GNCTD Act 1991, Transaction of Business Rules (ToBR) 1993, Delhi Excise Act 2009, and Delhi Excise Rules 2010.
The court’s decision to send K Kavitha to judicial custody highlights the seriousness with which the allegations are being pursued. As the investigation unfolds, authorities aim to uncover the truth behind the alleged malpractices in the excise policy formulation and implementation, ensuring accountability and upholding the rule of law.
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