BRS leader K Kavitha defies CBI summons amid alleged Delhi liquor scandal

In a dramatic twist to the already sensational Delhi liquor policy scam, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader K Kavitha has once again sidestepped the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) questioning, marking this as her second defiance. The leader, who is intricately woven into the political tapestry as the daughter of former Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, cited “pressing” public engagements alongside a pending petition in the Supreme Court as reasons for her unavailability.

K Kavitha’s refusal to appear before the CBI underlines a saga of legal and political maneuvers, making it a case with no shortage of twists and turns. In March of the previous year, she took her plea to the Supreme Court, seeking immunity from the Enforcement Directorate’s questioning, which led to a temporary relief as the court halted the inquiry until a verdict is reached. The crux of the issue lies in the recent summons under Section 41A of the CrPC by the CBI, a move that Kavitha argues lacks “logic, reason, or background,” especially since she complied with a previous notice under Section 160 Cr.P.C. in December 2022.

BRS leader K Kavitha defies CBI summons amid alleged Delhi liquor scandal. Photo courtesy of Batthini Vinay Kumar Goud/Wikimedia Commons.

The allegations against Ms. Kavitha paint a complex picture of political intrigue and alleged corruption. Central agencies have implicated her as part of the so-called “South Cartel,” accused of reaping benefits from illicit kickbacks in the retracted Delhi liquor policy, a scandal that also ensnared Aam Aadmi Party leader Manish Sisodia. According to the CBI, the involvement of liquor companies in drafting the excise policy was aimed at securing a 12 percent profit margin, with a “South Group” allegedly facilitating kickbacks, some of which were purportedly funneled to public officials. The Enforcement Directorate has further alleged money laundering activities tied to these kickbacks.

The ongoing saga between K Kavitha and the CBI is not just a legal battle but a narrative rich with political implications, raising questions about the integrity of public officials and the transparency of policy-making processes. The Supreme Court’s intervention provides a temporary shield for Kavitha, but the looming allegations and the CBI’s persistence suggest a turbulent path ahead. This case epitomizes the intricate dance between law enforcement and political figures, highlighting the challenges in upholding accountability within the corridors of power.

In conclusion, as K Kavitha navigates through her legal and political quagmire, the eyes of the nation remain fixated on the unfolding drama of the Delhi liquor policy scam. With each development, the story takes on new dimensions, underscoring the complexity of governance and the perennial battle against corruption. As the saga continues, one thing remains clear: the repercussions of this case will resonate far beyond the confines of the courtroom, potentially altering the landscape of Indian politics.