A city court took action on Monday regarding BRS leader K Kavitha's request for bail in a corruption case linked to the alleged Delhi excise scam. Special judge for CBI and ED cases Kaveri Baweja, who had previously sent Kavitha to judicial custody until April 23, asked the federal agency to respond to the application by April 22.
Kavitha, a Telangana MLC and daughter of former chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao, was arrested by the CBI from Tihar Jail. She was held after being arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money laundering case connected to the alleged scam. The CBI is investigating suspected corruption in the formulation and implementation of the AAP government's excise policy, while the ED is examining the money laundering aspect.
In her bail application, Kavitha mentioned that she played a significant role as a "star campaigner" for her party in the general elections. She requested interim bail while her regular bail application was pending. She claimed that the ruling party at the Centre was misusing investigative agencies to link her publicly to the Delhi Excise Policy, allowing further coercive actions against her.
Kavitha's application stated, "The Investigating Agencies are well aware that there is no substance in the allegation of the Petitioner's involvement in the alleged scam." It suggested that the purpose behind the purported investigation was not to determine her involvement since it was evident that none existed. Instead, it alleged that political motives were at play to tarnish her and her father's reputation.
During the court session, the CBI informed that Kavitha did not provide satisfactory answers to the questions asked regarding the case. It claimed that she provided evasive responses and did not disclose the facts truthfully, despite being confronted with evidence. The CBI emphasized that Kavitha concealed information known exclusively to her, which hindered the investigation process.
The court was asked to send Kavitha to judicial custody as she was deemed unnecessary for further custodial interrogation. The CBI highlighted discrepancies between Kavitha's replies and the evidence gathered during the investigation, indicating her non-cooperation with the authorities.
