Delhi excise policy case: HC seeks ED’s response in K Kavitha’s bail plea

On May 6, Special Judge Kaveri Baweja of Rouse Avenue Court had rejected Kavitha’s bail plea in both the money laundering and corruption cases being probed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), respectively.

“Keeping in view the serious nature of allegations, role of the applicant in the criminal conspiracy, allegations regarding destruction of material evidence by the applicant, and her conduct highlighted by the investigating agency and also taking note of para 25 of the order dated 08.04.2024, this court is of the considered opinion that even if the rigors and restrictions of PMLA Section 45 are considered and viewed reasonably, there still appears to be a prima facie case, indicating the involvement of the applicant in the commission of the alleged offences,” Special Judge Baweja had said.

In two prosecution complaints (equivalent to chargesheets), the ED has claimed that members of the so-called South Group that Kavitha was associated with had paid bribes to exploit the loopholes in the excise policy that would have secured their uninhibited access to various wholesale businesses and retail zones in violation of rules.

The Telangana Legislative Council member, who has been under the scanner of central investigating agencies for almost two years now, was arrested by the ED from Hyderabad on March 15.