BRS Leader K Kavitha Released from Tihar Jail, Asserts Team's Unity

BRS leader K Kavitha, who was arrested in March, exited Tihar Jail on Tuesday evening to a warm reception from her party members. This came after the Supreme Court granted her bail in corruption and money laundering cases related to the alleged Delhi excise policy scam. Kavitha described her arrest as illegal and asserted that the BRS and KCR team remains strong, vowing to continue their political and legal fight.

Upon her release after five months, the 46-year-old leader was visibly emotional as she was greeted by her husband, children, and brother, BRS working president K T Rama Rao. BRS workers and supporters gathered outside the jail, celebrating her release with drumbeats and fireworks. Party MLAs, MPs, and former ministers from Telangana were also present.

Supreme Court's Decision

The Supreme Court bench of Justices B R Gavai and K V Viswanathan granted Kavitha bail, noting that she had been in custody for about five months and that the investigations by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) were complete. The court allowed her appeals against the Delhi High Court's July 1 verdict, which had denied her bail in the two cases.

The apex court quashed the high court verdict and imposed conditions on Kavitha's bail. She must not tamper with evidence or influence witnesses and must deposit her passport with the trial judge. Additionally, she is required to attend trial court proceedings regularly and cooperate to ensure a speedy trial.

Allegations and Arrest

Kavitha has been accused of being part of the South Group, a cartel of businessmen and politicians that allegedly paid Rs 100 crore in kickbacks to Delhi's ruling AAP for liquor licences. She has denied all allegations. The Enforcement Directorate arrested her from her Banjara Hills residence in Hyderabad on March 15, followed by a CBI arrest from Tihar jail on April 11.

Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) founder and Kavitha's father, K Chandrashekar Rao (KCR), claimed that her arrest was due to BJP's vendetta. "Thank You Supreme Court. Relieved. Justice prevailed," K T Rama Rao said on X after his sister was granted bail. BRS leaders distributed sweets at the party's headquarters in Hyderabad.

Celebrations and Future Plans

After leaving Tihar Jail, Kavitha headed to the BRS party office at Vasant Kunj before retiring for the day. She plans to leave for Hyderabad on Wednesday afternoon. Addressing party workers outside the prison, Kavitha stated that she was jailed for political reasons despite having done nothing wrong.

"We will fight and prove ourselves innocent ...we were always tough. We are fighters. We will fight it out legally. We will fight it out politically. By sending us to jail illegally, they have only made the BRS and KCR team unbreakable," Kavitha said.

Court's Criticism of Investigating Agencies

The Supreme Court criticised the fairness of the CBI and ED in handling Kavitha's case. "Sorry to see this state of affairs," remarked one of the justices during the hearing. The court questioned the agencies' practice of selectively choosing witnesses, stating that prosecution must be fair.

"You will pick and choose anyone?" asked the bench while referring to a witness whose statements were read out during arguments. "The prosecution has to be fair. You can't pick and choose anyone," they added.

When Additional Solicitor General S V Raju mentioned witnesses claiming Kavitha's involvement in the alleged scam, the court warned him against dragging them into details. "We will have to observe about the fairness and impartiality of the investigating agencies," it said.

The court further added, "If you want those observations, you argue more." This statement highlighted their concern over how witnesses were being selected by investigating agencies.

Kavitha's release marks a significant moment for her supporters who believe in her innocence. The legal battle continues as she prepares to face trial while adhering to bail conditions set by the Supreme Court.