K Kavitha, a leader of the BRS, was taken into custody by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday, in relation to a corruption case associated with the Delhi liquor policy fraud, according to sources. Kavitha, who is currently held in Tihar jail under judicial custody, was previously detained by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) in a money laundering case connected to the excise policy fraud.
The CBI, a central investigative agency, had earlier submitted an application to a Delhi court on Wednesday, seeking permission to detain the BRS leader. The CBI's arrest followed a series of interrogations conducted inside Tihar prisons. After obtaining permission from a special court, the CBI questioned Kavitha on Saturday.
It is anticipated that the central investigative agency may present her before a court and request remand. Meanwhile, Kavitha's plea for interim bail in the money laundering case was denied by Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court on Monday.
The BRS leader, who was detained by the ED on March 15 following an extensive search of her residence in Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, is accused of paying Rs 100 crore to the Aam Aadmi Party in return for liquor licenses in the national capital. Kavitha’s regular bail application is also pending before the court, with a hearing scheduled for April 20.
When she was presented before a court in relation to the ED case, the leader dismissed the case as “illogical” and “entirely based on statements”. She told reporters, "My arrest is unlawful. This case is aimed at targeting opposition parties. It is an illogical case which is based solely on statements," as she was escorted from the court after Tuesday's hearing, while her custody was extended until April 23.
