BRS leader K Kavitha arrested in Delhi Liquor Policy Case amidst political tensions

In a move that has intensified the political landscape ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, K Kavitha, a member of the Legislative Council (MLC) in Telangana and daughter of Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) chief K Chandrashekar Rao, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Hyderabad. The arrest is part of the ongoing investigation into the Delhi liquor policy case, with Kavitha being taken to Delhi shortly after her residence was raided by the agency. This development occurs as the Congress government in Telangana marks its 100 days in office and coincides with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s roadshow in the Hyderabad suburb of Malkajgiri.

The Supreme Court, which had previously granted Kavitha immunity from interrogation until Wednesday, also heard her petition against the ED’s summons on the day of her arrest. The next hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, indicating the legal proceedings are far from over.

In a dramatic confrontation captured on video, Kavitha’s brother and former Telangana minister KT Rama Rao accused ED officials of violating the Supreme Court’s orders, stating, “You are in serious trouble.” Despite claims from Mr. Rao that the family was cooperating with the agency, ED sources allege obstruction from BRS members, with videos showing agency cars being surrounded as they departed with Ms. Kavitha.

The ED has implicated K Kavitha in the so-called ‘South Group,’ alleging her involvement in the Delhi liquor policy scam alongside other prominent figures. The policy, according to the ED, provided excessively high profit margins and involved kickbacks and illegal advantages, including the involvement of Indospirit, a company linked to the group.

The agency accuses Kavitha of using multiple phones to avoid a digital trace and asserts her active participation in the scam. Despite her claims of innocence and accusations against the BJP of politically weaponizing the ED, the case continues to unravel, with several AAP leaders also implicated.

The arrest of K Kavitha in the Delhi liquor policy case signifies a pivotal moment in Indian politics, especially with the Lok Sabha elections on the horizon. It highlights the ongoing tensions between central agencies and political figures, underscoring the complex interplay of law enforcement and political strategy. The case’s developments could have far-reaching implications for the political dynamics in Telangana and beyond, potentially influencing voter sentiment and party reputations.