Delhi court allows CBI to quiz Kavitha in excise case

In addition to the ED’s scrutiny, Kavitha is also under investigation by the CBI, which issued summons to her in February. However, citing an exemption granted by the Supreme Court, Kavitha did not appear before the CBI

A Delhi court on Friday granted permission to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to interrogate Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader K Kavitha on any day next week in connection with the Delhi excise policy case.

BRS leader K Kavitha being taken to Rouse Avenue court at the end of her Enforcement Directorate (ED) custody in Delhi excise policy money laundering case, in New Delhi. (ANI)

Kavitha, who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 15 in the same case, has been in judicial custody at Tihar Jail since March 26. The CBI submitted an application seeking to examine Kavitha while she is in custody on suspected charges of money laundering.

The CBI told the court that they want to interrogate Kavitha about WhatsApp chats retrieved from the mobile phone of her chartered accountant and co-accused Butchibabu Gorantla, as well as documents and phones recovered during the investigation. Special Judge Kaveri Baweja granted the CBI permission to interrogate Kavitha and record her statements at Tihar Jail.

In addition to the ED’s scrutiny, Kavitha is also under investigation by the CBI, which issued summons to her in February. However, citing an exemption granted by the Supreme Court, Kavitha did not appear before the CBI.

Kavitha has filed a regular bail application, which is pending before the court, and an interim bail application, on which the court is expected to issue orders on April 8.

The Delhi government’s 2021-22 excise policy, aimed at revitalising the city’s liquor business, came under scrutiny, leading to a recommendation by Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena for a CBI probe into alleged irregularities. The policy was ultimately cancelled.