National Desk, 23th March: A Delhi court has decided to extend the custody of BRS leader K Kavitha, accused in the Delhi excise policy money laundering case, until March 26. Kavitha, who is the daughter of former Telangana chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao, is alleged to be a key member of the ‘South Group,’ purportedly involved in paying kickbacks of Rs 100 crore to the AAP in exchange for a significant share of liquor licenses in the national capital.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) sought an extension of Kavitha’s custodial remand by five days, presenting evidence of her involvement in the case. During the investigation, she was interrogated and confronted with statements from four individuals. Additionally, a forensic report indicating potential evidence tampering was presented, revealing the formatting of her mobile phone data. Kavitha’s nephew, Meka Saran, was also implicated, with the ED alleging his involvement in the transfer or utilization of proceeds of crime.
Despite attempts to gather information from Kavitha and her family regarding their business details and finances, the ED stated that no cooperation was received. Furthermore, the agency has moved an application for further interrogation of Sameer Mahendru to ascertain Kavitha’s role in recent findings.
During the court proceedings, Kavitha’s advocate filed a bail plea, which the ED opposed, citing ongoing investigations. The court deferred a decision on the bail plea until the next hearing.
Kavitha, a member of the Telangana Legislative Council, was arrested by the ED from her residence in Hyderabad on March 15. As investigations into the alleged money laundering case continue, the court’s decision extends her custody.