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Synopsis

In a recent development concerning the alleged excise scam in Delhi, a notice was issued by the Delhi court to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the plea of BRS leader K Kavitha seeking bail to campaign for the Lok Sabha Elections. 

The proceedings were presided over by Special Judge Kaveri Baweja, who also ordered Kavitha to be held in judicial custody until April 23. During the hearing, the court directed the CBI to submit its response to the bail application by April 22.

The CBI is investigating suspected corruption associated with the formulation and execution of the excise policy under the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) administration, while the ED is examining potential money laundering activities.

Previously, the court had allowed Kavitha, a member of the Telangana Legislative Council and the daughter of former Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, to possess five books during her three-day custody under the CBI related to the liquor policy case. The approved titles include "The Paradoxical Prime Minister," "Elon Musk," "The Nutmeg's Curse," "Rebels Against The Raj," and "Roman Stories".

Judge Baweja stressed the importance of a thorough and prolonged interrogation of Kavitha by the CBI. This was deemed necessary due to the number of individuals implicated in the alleged conspiracy and the manner in which the offences were purportedly committed.

Furthermore, in addition to the provision of books, the court granted Kavitha permission to have certain items during her custody under the CBI, including home-cooked food, a Jap Mala, dresses, a mattress, bed sheets, towels, and a pillow.

Background:

Following an extensive search operation at her Hyderabad residence, Kavitha was apprehended on March 15 by the ED and subsequently transported to Delhi for questioning in connection with a money laundering probe linked to the defunct Delhi excise policy.

During a remand hearing in a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Delhi, the ED sought Kavitha's custody for further interrogation in the money laundering case. The agency revealed that Kavitha had erased data from four out of ten of her devices immediately after receiving the initial summons from the agency regarding the liquor policy case, raising suspicions about her conduct. Furthermore, the agency accused Kavitha and her associates of obstructing the investigation and failing to cooperate.

[Inputs: PTI]