K Kavitha Released On Bail By Supreme Court Amid Delhi Excise Probe

The Supreme Court granted bail to BRS MLC K Kavitha in the Delhi excise policy case on Tuesday, criticizing the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate for their handling of the investigation.

K Kavitha, daughter of former Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, has been in custody since March 15.

What Happened During the Hearing?

During the hearing, Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan questioned the Enforcement Directorate and CBI about the evidence proving Kavitha's involvement in the alleged excise policy scam. Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing Kavitha, argued for bail, stating that the investigation by the two agencies had concluded. He also referenced the Supreme Court's earlier decision to grant bail to AAP leader Manish Sisodia, a co-accused in the case.

Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, representing the agencies, accused Kavitha of tampering with evidence by formatting her mobile phone. Kavitha's lawyer dismissed this allegation as "bogus."

The bench challenged the agencies' lawyer, asking, "What evidence shows that she was involved in the crime?"

What Are the Accusations Against K Kavitha?

On August 12, the Supreme Court had directed the agencies to respond to Kavitha's plea challenging the Delhi High Court's denial of her bail. The High Court had rejected her bail applications, labeling her as a key conspirator in the case.

The agencies accuse Kavitha of being part of the "South Group," which allegedly paid ₹100 crore in kickbacks to the Aam Aadmi Party in exchange for favorable treatment in the excise policy's formulation and implementation.

AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh had been jailed on similar charges, and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, whom the agencies have identified as the alleged mastermind, has been in custody since March 21.