The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a supplementary charge sheet against BRS leader K Kavitha, alleging her involvement in laundering proceeds of crime worth ₹292.8 crore as part of the ₹1,100 crore Delhi excise policy scam.
The supplementary prosecution complaint was presented before Special Judge Kaveri Baweja, who extended Kavitha’s judicial custody till July 3. Kavitha, the daughter of former Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, was produced in court following a previous production warrant.
Key Allegations and Findings:
- Total Proceeds of Crime: The ED’s investigation identified ₹1,100 crore in proceeds of crime, with ₹292.8 crore involving Kavitha.
- Kickbacks and Conspiracy: The ED alleged that Kavitha conspired with members of the South Group and AAP leaders through Vijay Nair to pay ₹100 crore in kickbacks and receive undue benefits.
- IndoSpirits Involvement: Kavitha allegedly participated in the generation, acquisition, and use of ₹192.8 crore through the company IndoSpirits, showing the proceeds as legitimate business profits.
- Evidence Destruction: Kavitha is accused of destroying digital evidence, presenting nine formatted phones with no data during the investigation.
Judicial Actions:
- Custody Extension: Judge Baweja extended Kavitha’s custody, recognizing the ongoing need for detailed investigation into her role and actions.
- Bail Grants: The court granted bail to co-accused Prince, Damodar Sharma, and Arvind Singh, who were charge sheeted without arrest.
Additional Accusations:
- Kavitha is alleged to have received ₹5.5 crore from IndoSpirits via her associate Abhishek Boinpally.
- She reportedly engaged in acts of influencing witnesses to obstruct the investigation.
Background:
The scam pertains to alleged corruption and money laundering in the Delhi government’s excise policy for 2021-22, which was subsequently scrapped. Kavitha was arrested by the ED from her Hyderabad residence on March 15 and later by the CBI from Tihar jail.
The ED maintains that Kavitha’s actions involved the deliberate generation and laundering of significant amounts of proceeds of crime, warranting her continued judicial custody and thorough investigation.
