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

Hours after the Supreme Court granted her bail in Delhi excise policy cases, BRS leader K Kavitha walked out of Tihar Jail late Tuesday evening. She was greeted with a warm welcome by her party members and vowed to fight back to prove her innocence.

BRS workers and supporters celebrated outside the jail with drum beats and fireworks. Party MLAs, MPs, and former ministers from Telangana were also present. Kavitha, who spent five months in jail, alleged that her arrest was politically motivated.

Political Allegations and Emotional Reunion

The 46-year-old leader was visibly emotional as she reunited with her husband, children, and brother, BRS working president K T Rama Rao. Addressing the crowd outside the prison, she asserted that the unjust imprisonment had strengthened her party's resolve.

"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.

Legal Battle and Media Address

Later at the BRS party office, Kavitha reiterated her innocence and stated, "I will return it with interest to those who put me and my family through this ordeal. Our time will come." She insisted that her arrest was driven by political motives.

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

Supreme Court's Observations

While granting bail on Tuesday, an apex court bench of Justices B R Gavai and K V Viswanathan noted that Kavitha had been in custody for around five months and the probe against her by the CBI and ED was complete. The court allowed her appeals against the Delhi High Court's July 1 verdict denying her bail.

The court quashed the high court verdict but instructed Kavitha not to tamper with evidence or influence witnesses. She must deposit her passport with the trial judge and regularly attend trial court proceedings to ensure a speedy trial.

Criticism of Investigating Agencies

The two federal agencies faced sharp criticism from the apex court over their fairness in handling the case. "Sorry to see this state of affairs," the court remarked while questioning their choice of witnesses.

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

Kavitha's Determination

Kavitha acknowledged the personal toll of her incarceration, stating that being separated from her family for five-and-a-half months was particularly trying as a mother. She vowed to continue fighting both legally and politically.

"Only because of politics, I was put behind bars. I made no mistake. I will fight and prove I'm innocent," she told reporters. "I am Telangana's daughter, KCR's daughter. I cannot commit a mistake. I am stubborn and good," she added.

Support from Party Members

Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) founder and Kavitha's father K Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) alleged that she was arrested 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 following the news of her release. Kavitha is expected to leave for Hyderabad on Wednesday afternoon.

The Supreme Court's decision marks a significant moment for Kavitha and her party as they prepare to continue their legal battle while maintaining their political stance.