ED Opposes Kavitha’s Bail Plea, Citing Witness Influence Risk

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has opposed the bail plea of Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader K Kavitha, daughter of the former Telangana chief minister, in connection with the money laundering case related to the Delhi excise policy. The ED argues that Kavitha could potentially influence witnesses and destroy evidence if granted bail.

ED’s Affidavit Highlights

1. Witness Influence Allegations:
   • The ED’s affidavit highlights that Hyderabad-based businessman Arun Ramachandran Pillai retracted his statement on the same day Kavitha was summoned by the agency, suggesting her influence.
   • The affidavit questioned the timing of Pillai’s retraction, implying Kavitha’s considerable influence.
2. Destruction of Evidence:
   • The ED accused Kavitha of deleting evidence from her mobile phone.
   • The agency also claimed that she provided false evidence during questioning and indulged in litigation to delay the probe.
3. Key Conspirator Role:
   • Kavitha’s bail application was earlier rejected by a city court, which noted her prima facie role as a key conspirator in facilitating payments to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for favorable excise policy provisions.
   • The ED maintains that she was actively involved in laundering proceeds of crime amounting to Rs. 292.8 crore.

Legal Proceedings

• Previous Court Rulings:
  • A city court rejected her bail plea on May 6, noting her significant role in the alleged conspiracy.
  • Kavitha argued that her arrest was politically motivated, an assertion the ED denied.
• Health Grounds:
  • The ED refuted Kavitha’s bail request on health grounds, stating the medical documents were outdated and no health complaints were raised post-arrest.
• Judicial Custody:
  • Kavitha remains in judicial custody following her arrests by the ED on March 15 and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on April 11.

Case Background

The money laundering case is linked to the Delhi excise policy, with Kavitha accused of conspiring to pay kickbacks for favorable policy provisions. The ED’s investigation has included multiple arrests and charge sheets, implicating high-profile individuals including Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

Next Steps

The High Court has adjourned the matter to May 27 for further deliberation, following submissions from Kavitha’s legal team.

Broader Implications

This case highlights ongoing scrutiny and legal battles involving political figures and allegations of corruption and money laundering. The ED’s firm stance against bail for Kavitha underscores the agency’s focus on preventing witness tampering and evidence destruction in high-profile cases.

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