The investigative agencies are taking swift action in the Delhi liquor policy and money laundering scandal. On Friday, CBI presented BRS leader K. Kavitha in the Rouse Avenue Court, requesting her five days' custody. Brought from Tihar Jail under a production warrant, Kavitha's role in the entire scandal was sequentially explained to the trial court. The CBI has disclosed their findings, including the theory, characters, and roles of the accused in this alleged fraud.
CBI argued in court for Kavitha's custody, alleging her significant involvement in arranging a $100 million bribe for AAP. Kavitha is one of the chief conspirators. A major businessman had met with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who assured support via the new excise policy. The CBI noted that Kavitha had met this businessman in Hyderabad, implying her connection with Vijay Nayar, who also had ties with the businessman. The latter had requested an advance arrangement of $100 million from Kavitha, who played a vital role in securing these funds. Kavitha, daughter of former CM of Telangana K. Chandrashekar Rao, was substantially supported by the government witness Dinesh Arora's statement.
'Vijay Nayar accused of accepting a $100 million bribe'
Vijay Nayar is alleged to have received a bribe of about $100 million from the South Group (promoted by Aurobindo Pharma's Sharat Reddy, BRS leader Kavitha, YSRCP MP Magunta Srinivasulu Reddy, and his son Raghav Magunta). Representatives Arun Pillai, Abhishek Boinpally, and Buchibabu, who have all been arrested in connection to the liquor scam, represented the South Group.
'Kavitha forwarded Sharat Reddy for negotiations'
As Dinesh Arora has previously been an accused in this case and is now a government witness, his statement confirmed that Abhishek Boinpally mentioned the $100 million payment to Vijay Nayar. The CBI claimed the WhatsApp chat recovered from Buchibabu confirmed his partnership with Kavitha in Indospirits. CBI stated that Kavitha pushed Sharat Reddy to lead negotiations in the Delhi excise policy case. Despite being blacklisted, Indospirits was granted licenses due to pressuring by then excise minister Manish Sisodia.
'Kavitha's crucial role in South Syndicate'
The CBI supported their arguments with WhatsApp chats and statements from various individuals, highlighting Kavitha's use of her political influence to help Raghav Mungta's company obtain an NOC. According to the CBI, statements made under sections 161 and 164 of the CrPC confirm payments of $11.9 million. This money was collected through hawala transactions for Goa's elections. The CBI disclosed that these transactions were linked to an AAP individual associated with Goa.
'Kavitha avoids direct answers during questioning'
The CBI aims to question Kavitha on these pivotal matters as she hasn't provided direct answers to any inquiries made during her previous incarceration. Authorities seek her custody to confront her with witnesses and evidence and unearth further involved individuals. The investigation has revealed that Arun Pillai, Buchibabu, and Boinpally were staying in Delhi between March and May 2021, when the excise policy was being formulated. Kavitha had pressured Sharat Reddy in December 2021 for a payment of $25 million, threatening consequences upon his refusal. Statements from Raghav Magunta, Magunta Reddy, and Sharat Reddy have implicated Kavitha as a primary conspirator.
'Kavitha contests the judicial custody arrest'
Meanwhile, Kavitha's lawyers opposed the CBI custody, arguing that no provision in the CrPC allows interrogation in judicial custody. They claimed violation of constitutional rights, denying the opportunity for legal consultation or receipt of the remand application before presentation. They allege illegal arrest without court permission or direction.
'CBI clarifies arrest protocols followed'
Refuting illegal arrest claims, the CBI clarified adhering to procedure: obtaining court permission on April 5 and interrogating in jail on April 6. Kavitha's husband was informed before and after the arrest, and jail administration kept him updated.
The court has postponed Kavitha's remand hearing to 2 PM later in the day.
