Liquor scam: ED claims K Kavitha colluded with Kejriwal and Sisodia for benefits
PTC News Desk: K Kavitha, a leader of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and daughter of former Telangana CM K Chandrasekhar Rao, has been embroiled in a controversy following allegations by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). According to the ED, Kavitha conspired with high-ranking members of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), including Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia, to secure favors in Delhi's excise policy formulation and implementation, in exchange for a staggering sum of Rs 100 crore.
The ED's statement accuses Kavitha of being part of a scheme where she, along with others, sought illicit advantages from AAP leaders for their cooperation in shaping Delhi's excise policy landscape. The agency further alleges that this collaboration involved a significant financial transaction, with Rs 100 crore purportedly changing hands between Kavitha and the AAP leadership.
Last week, Kavitha was apprehended by the ED and remains in the agency's custody until March 23. In its official communication, the ED elaborated that the modus operandi involved corruption and collusion to manipulate the formulation and execution of Delhi's excise policy. Through these means, the AAP allegedly received a continuous flow of illegal funds, primarily through kickbacks from liquor wholesalers.
The 45-year-old BRS leader, along with her associates, purportedly aimed to not only recover the proceeds of the crime already disbursed to AAP but also to continue generating profits from this illicit arrangement.
This revelation has sent shockwaves through political circles, raising questions about the integrity of the policymaking process and the ethical conduct of public representatives. The ED's assertions underscore the importance of stringent regulatory measures to combat corruption and ensure transparency in governance.
As investigations unfold, the spotlight remains on Kavitha and her alleged involvement in this intricate web of deceit and exploitation of regulatory mechanisms for personal gain. The outcome of this case will not only impact the individuals implicated but also shape public perception regarding accountability and justice in the political arena.
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During the plea for remand of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Member of Legislative Council (MLC), the Enforcement Directorate (ED) apprised the special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court of Kavitha's pivotal role, stating she was "one of the chief architects, a central conspirator, and a primary beneficiary of the Delhi excise policy scandal."
Previously, Kavitha had vehemently denied any wrongdoing, alleging that the Central government was leveraging the ED due to the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) inability to establish a foothold in Telangana through legitimate means. In a counteraccusation, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) accused the BJP of wielding the ED and CBI as its "enforcers" to eliminate political adversaries.
The ED disclosed that it has conducted extensive raids at 245 locations nationwide since initiating the case in 2022. Subsequently, it has apprehended 15 individuals, including former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister and AAP stalwart Manish Sisodia, AAP leader Sanjay Singh, and several liquor industry figures. Furthermore, the agency has filed a cumulative total of six charge sheets in connection to this case and has seized assets valued at over Rs 128 crore.
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(Inputs from agencies)
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